Pathways linking marijuana use to substance use problems among emerging adults: A prospective analysis of young Black men

Abstract

Objectives Marijuana use rates peak during emerging adulthood (ages 18 to 25 years). Although marijuana use quantity reliably predicts substance-related problems, considerable individual differences characterize this association. The aims of the present study were to examine the influence of community disadvantage in amplifying the effects of marijuana use on downstream substance use problems, as well as the mediating influence of social disengagement in the path linking marijuana use frequency to related problems. Method We conducted a 3-year longitudinal study with 505 Black men from rural communities in Georgia, age 20.3 years at baseline. Three waves of data were collected at 18-month intervals in participants’ homes or convenient community settings. Men completed audio computer-assisted self-interviews concerning their substance use, engagement in conventional roles and relationships, community characteristics, and substance use problems. Results Community disadvantage moderated the association of marijuana use with changes in substance use problems across time. In disadvantaged communities, a robust effect emerged between marijuana use frequency and related problems, whereas in less disadvantaged communities, marijuana use quantity and problems were not significantly associated. Increases in social disengagement mediated the influence of marijuana use on substance use problems in the context of community disadvantage. Conclusions For young Black men, residence in a disadvantaged neighborhood appears to amplify the impact of marijuana use on substance use problems. This effect appears to be a consequence of increases in social disengagement.

Neighborhood Contexts and Marijuana Use Among Urban Dwelling Emerging Adult Men

“…Consistent with previous studies ( Goldstick et al, 2016 ; Green et al, 2016 ; Reboussin et al., 2016 ; Schneiderman et al, 2016 ) on neighborhood context and substance use, there was a positive association between neighborhood problems and marijuana use. This positive association supports previous assertions that disadvantaged neighborhood context can increase minority emerging adult males’ health vulnerability and risk of marijuana use ( Clarke et al, 2014 ; Furr-Holden et al, 2015 ; Green et al, 2016 ; Kogan et al, 2017 ; Powell et al, 2016 ; Stone et al, 2012 ; Uphoff et al, 2013 ). One possible explanation for this relationship is that minority emerging adult males may engage in marijuana use to mitigate their experiences of psychological distress elicited by residing in disadvantaged neighborhoods ( Parker, Benjamin, Archibald, & Thorpe, 2016 ; Preston, 2006 ).…”

“…Neighborhood problems is a broad term used to describe the distressed physical and social features of a neighborhood (e.g., abandoned buildings, litter, crime, drug trades, loitering, and violence) ( Ross & Mirowsky, 2001 ). Neighborhood problems are concomitant with health-promoting resources in an area, are a source of daily and chronic stress, and subsequently impede residents from achieving optimal health and social standing ( Kogan, Cho, Brody, & Beach, 2017 ; Powell et al, 2016 ). Social cohesion, defined as the presence of strong social bonds and the lack of social conflict, influences health by promoting the adoption of health-promoting behaviors, increasing access to health and social services, and through psychosocial processes that are associated with positive well-being and optimal health ( Kawachi & Berkman, 2000 ; Uphoff, Pickett, Cabieses, Small, & Wright, 2013 ).…”

“…Neighborhoods with lower social cohesion are associated with negative health impacts including more violent crime, substance use, and mortality ( Kawachi & Berkman, 2000 ; Reboussin et al, 2015 ; Sampson, Raudenbush, & Earls, 1997 ). Disadvantaged neighborhood contexts (i.e., neighborhoods characterized by neighborhood problems and lower social cohesion) are consistently linked to health vulnerability and health-restrictive behaviors ( Clarke et al, 2014 ; Kogan et al, 2017 ; Uphoff et al, 2013 ). Prior studies report that minority emerging adults often reside in disadvantaged neighborhoods making them more susceptible to engaging in problematic substance use ( Kogan et al, 2017 ; Powell et al, 2016 ; Reboussin et al, 2015 ).…”

Racial Discrimination, Protective Parenting, and Binge Drinking Among Emerging Adult Black Men

“…Binge drinking is highly prevalent during emerging adulthood. For vulnerable youth such as low–SES Black men, however, recent evidence suggests that residence in challenging communities and the lack of economic and social safety nets common in more well‐resourced families increase the consequences of substance use (Kogan et al, 2017). Understanding how caregivers might protect their sons’ development is thus paramount.…”

Neighborhood context and transitions in marijuana use among urban young adults

“…Factors tied to social disadvantage may partially explain this phenomenon and neighborhood setting may be a key exposure. Two recent studies suggest a link between neighborhood factors and marijuana use among Black emerging adults (Kogan et al, 2017;White et al, 2017); bolstering this hypothesis. Growing up poor in an impoverished neighborhood has been referred to as a "double burden," as it subjects youth and young adults to social and economic adversities that are above and beyond the burdens that accompany familial poverty (Kneebone, Nadeau & Berube, 2011).…”