Poly-use of cannabis and other substances among juvenile-justice involved youth: variations in psychological and substance-related problems by typology

Abstract

Background: Adolescent cannabis use is associated with increased risk for psychological problems, with evidence for more severe problems among youth who use cannabis in combination with other substances (i.e., polysubstance use). Juvenile offenders engage in both cannabis use and polysubstance use at higher rates than the general adolescent population. Yet, limited research has examined the relationship between cannabis poly-use (e.g., cannabis and alcohol use) and functional or psychological problems among juvenile offenders. Objectives: The current study addresses this gap by examining the association of polysubstance use of cannabis compared to cannabis only use with cognitive functioning, psychological distress, and substance-related problems among juvenile detainees. Methods: Participants were 238 detained youth ages 12–18 (80.4% male, 77.3% non-White) who completed assessments of substance use, intellectual functioning, psychological symptoms, and substance-related problems. Youth were also assessed by a clinical psychologist for substance use disorder. Results: Four cannabis-use typologies were identified; cannabis and alcohol use was the largest class, followed by cannabis only use, cannabis, alcohol and other drug use, then cannabis and other drug use. Polysubstance use was associated with lower scores on measures of intellectual functioning, more externalizing and internalizing symptomology, and more substance-related problems relative to cannabis only use. However, the relationship between polysubstance use and problems varied by typology. Conclusions: Findings suggest that justice-involved youth engaged in polysubstance use may be at greater need for concurrent academic, affective, and behavioral support in their rehabilitation and transition back to the community.

Binge Drinking, Cannabis Co-Consumption and Academic Achievement in First Year University Students in Spain: Academic Adjustment as a Mediator

“…Similar results have been obtained in studies of the co-consumers of tobacco, cannabis and alcohol which were studied in a university population [65] and a secondary school [28]. One potential explanation for these results is that co-consumption may be a greater risk factor for adverse academic outcomes than the risk posed by cannabis use alone [14]. Specifically, deficits in intellectual functioning, attention, memory, processing speed and visuospatial functioning were observed [14,24,61].…”

“…One potential explanation for these results is that co-consumption may be a greater risk factor for adverse academic outcomes than the risk posed by cannabis use alone [14]. Specifically, deficits in intellectual functioning, attention, memory, processing speed and visuospatial functioning were observed [14,24,61]. Such deficits can lead to lower academic motivation, poorer study skills, disrupted attendance and dropping out of university [27].…”

Drug use by men admitted to a psychiatric hospital*

“…Alcohol intoxication and drug use lead the user to increase the probability of doing or getting involved in something potentially harmful (19) , such as drunk driving, violent behaviors, and crimes (20) , or negligent behavior (sexual, for example) (21) . About activities, they can increase the probability of accidents (22) , leading to an increased risk of injuries and traumas (17) .…”

Time Trends in the Co-use of Cannabis and the Misuse of Tranquilizers, Sedatives and Sleeping Pills among Young Adults in Spain between 2009 and 2015

“…As a result, the frequent use of CBP among young people has also been associated with disadvantages later in life, such as limited educational attainment, unemployment and lower life satisfaction [1,9]. Also, early initiation has been associated with a number of negative health and social outcomes, including a greater likelihood of dependence and problematic use, poor academic performance, the onset of substance use disorders, and adverse mental health outcomes [7,10,11].…”

“…Previous studies show how CBP use at a young age is associated with polydrug use combined with other substances, such as alcohol, tobacco, stimulants, and the misuse of prescription drugs, such as tranquilizers, sedatives, sleeping pills (TSSp), and depressants [11,12,13,14,15]. Research has highlighted the importance of age, attitudes, and beliefs as being important predictors of cannabis co-use with other substances among youth, such as perceptions of risk and the perception that CBP is easily available [9,16,17].…”