Relational Communication about Substance Use

Abstract

Relational communication about substance use occurs when one or more partners communicate about the use of alcohol, cigarettes, or addictive/illicit substances. Although the research on communication about substance use is vast and spans various disciplines, evidence suggests that the nature of substance use, the surrounding relational context, and the purpose of communication collectively shape our understanding of communication about substance use. Individual factors, such as age and gender, also play an important role in relational communication about substance use.