Alcohol and cannabis co-use and social context as risk pathways to sexual assault.

Abstract

Objective: Simultaneous use of alcohol in combination with cannabis ("co-use") is common among young adults, and associated with myriad consequences. Yet no studies have examined how co-use may confer vulnerability for sexual assault (SA). Further, though both co-use and SA commonly occur in social settings, there have been no examinations of the role that co-use may play in the broader social context that leads to assault risk. This was the objective of the present study. Method: In a community sample of young adult women, (N = 174; M age = 22.6), we examined risk pathways to SA, guided by Routine Activities Theory (Mustaine & Tewksbury, Criminal Justice Review, 2002, 27, 89). Using a longitudinal burst design with 27 daily assessments across 1 year, women reported on their own and others' alcohol, cannabis, and co-use, and on social context and assault experiences. Results: Multilevel path model results showed alcohol and cannabis co-use to confer unique risk for SA, above and beyond the influence of use of either substance alone. Intoxication and components of the co-use social context (proximity to offenders) mediated this risk. Importantly, we observed a key role for co-use by others within the social context in assault risk. Conclusions: This study adds to the literature by providing a nuanced and contextual account of how cannabis-alcohol co-use may lead to assault vulnerability in young adult women. Findings underscore the need for intervention efforts that expand their focus to include the broader social context, and the role that the use and co-use behaviors of others may play within this context. Public Health Significance StatementThis study of community young adult women shows co-use to be related to sexual assault risk. The social context is an important part of this risk. Findings underscore the need for intervention efforts that expand their focus to include the broader social context.

Simultaneous Alcohol and Marijuana Use Among Young Adults: A Scoping Review of Prevalence, Patterns, Psychosocial Correlates, and Consequences

“…Although most papers examined consequences broadly, a subset of papers investigated specific consequence types, including academic, cognitive, social, sexual, aggression, and sleep-related. 6 , 23 , 24 , 36 , 65 , 67 , 68 , 70 – 72 Compared to those who used alcohol only, individuals who engaged in SAM use were at higher risk across consequence types, 6 , 23 , 24 , 36 including alcohol-related harms (e.g., problems with relationships, finances, work, or health). 6 Fewer papers included individuals who used alcohol and marijuana concurrently but did not engage in SAM use, as a comparison.…”

Cannabis craving in response to alcohol cues among adolescents and young adults in the laboratory and in daily life.

“…Approximately one third of adolescents in the United States report using both alcohol and cannabis prior to age 16 (Moss et al, 2014) and the number of young adults aged 18–22 years who use both alcohol and cannabis steadily increased from 2002 to 2018 (McCabe et al, 2021). Across adolescents and adults, individuals reporting both alcohol and cannabis use, referred to herein as “co-use,” are at greater risk of experiencing substance-related negative consequences compared to individuals who only consume alcohol and do not use cannabis (Jackson et al, 2020; Kelly et al, 2015; Read et al, 2021; Subbaraman & Kerr, 2015). Notably, cannabis use among adults who drink alcohol is associated with subsequent development and maintenance of alcohol use disorder (AUD; Blanco et al, 2016; Thompson et al, 2021; Weinberger et al, 2016).…”

“…. Across adolescents and adults, individuals reporting both alcohol and cannabis use, referred to herein as "co-use," are at greater risk of experiencing substance-related negative consequences compared to individuals who only consume alcohol and do not use cannabis (Jackson et al, 2020;Kelly et al, 2015;Read et al, 2021;Subbaraman & Kerr, 2015). Notably, cannabis use among adults who drink alcohol is associated with subsequent development and maintenance of alcohol use disorder (AUD; Blanco et al, 2016;Thompson et al, 2021;Weinberger et al, 2016).…”

Self-protection in the social context: A daily-level examination of young adult women’s perceived need for and engagement in sexual assault protective behavioral strategies.

“…Specifically, participants most often reported going out with one additional person (37%) or a small group of two-five peoples (36%) relative to medium (19%) or large (8%) groups (Read et al, 2021). When going out with one additional person, women reported that this additional person was male (71%) more often than female (29%) and a romantic partner (61%) more often than a friend (35%) or individual of another relationship (4%; Read et al, 2021). When going out with a group of people, women most often reported about even numbers of women and men in the group (60%; Read et al, 2021).…”