Expectancies for Simultaneous Alcohol and Cannabis Use
Author Information
Author(s): Smucker Barnwell Sara, Earleywine Mitch
Primary Institution: VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System; University at Albany, State University of New York
Hypothesis
Unique cognitive expectancies may underlie simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use.
Conclusion
Simultaneous expectancies for alcohol and cannabis predicted simultaneous use beyond individual expectancies for each drug.
Supporting Evidence
- Expectancies for simultaneous use predicted actual use.
- Participants reported different amounts of alcohol consumed when using cannabis simultaneously.
- Simultaneous expectancies accounted for unique variance in predicting drug use.
Takeaway
People who think using alcohol and cannabis together will make their experience better are more likely to use both at the same time.
Methodology
The study used an online survey to assess expectancies and drug use among participants who consume alcohol and cannabis at least once a month.
Potential Biases
Participants were recruited from cannabis advocacy organizations, which may influence their responses.
Limitations
The sample was predominantly Caucasian and educated, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
{"gender":{"male":66,"female":34},"age_range":"13-86","mean_age":34,"ethnicity":{"European":91,"Latino":4,"African":2,"Asian":1,"Mixed":1,"Other":1},"education":{"Some high school":4,"High School diploma":11,"Some college":39,"Associate's degree":12,"Bachelor's degree":23,"Master's degree":7,"Beyond Master's":4},"income":{"Less than $20,000":35,"$20,000–$40,000":29,"$40,000–$60,000":16,"$60,000–$80,000":7,"$80,000–$100,000":4,"$100,000+":4}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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