Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs
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J Stud Alcohol Drugs · Mar 2021
Drinking to Cope in the COVID-19 Era: An Investigation Among College Students.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in abrupt, drastic changes to daily life in many nations. Experiences within the United States have varied widely. In the State of Oregon in the early months of the pandemic protective protocols (e.g., social distancing) were comparatively high, resulting in concern for increases in loneliness and COVID-related stress. The present study of college students examined the indirect relationship of loneliness and other stressors to alcohol use, via drinking-to-cope motives. ⋯ These findings provide insight into how COVID-related stressors and associated social relationship repercussions relate to alcohol and marijuana use and drinking-to-cope motivations while sheltering in place. These results have implications for how frequent substance use and coping-motivated use can be mitigated during a crisis.
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J Stud Alcohol Drugs · Jan 2021
Recreational Marijuana Legalization and Use Among California Adolescents: Findings From a Statewide Survey.
The legalization of recreational marijuana use and retail sales raises concerns about possible effects on marijuana use among adolescents. We evaluated the effects of recreational marijuana legalization (RML) in California in November 2016 on use among adolescents and investigated subgroup differences in these effects. ⋯ RML in California was associated with an increase in adolescent marijuana use in 2017-2018 and 2018-2019. Demographic subgroup differences in these associations were observed. Evidence-based prevention programs and greater local control on retail marijuana sales may help to reduce marijuana availability and use among adolescents.
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J Stud Alcohol Drugs · Sep 2020
A Longitudinal Analysis of Nicotine Dependence and Transitions From Dual Use of Cigarettes and Electronic Cigarettes: Evidence From Waves 1-3 of the PATH Study.
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have gained popularity as a method to reduce conventional cigarette smoking, despite mixed evidence on their effectiveness. This study evaluates the relationship between overall and product-specific nicotine dependence and the transitions between dual use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes versus exclusive cigarette or e-cigarette use over time. ⋯ This study provides new evidence that established dual use and transitions to and from dual use are associated with higher tobacco dependence compared with remaining a cigarette- or e-cigarette-only user and that higher e-cigarette dependence is associated with becoming or remaining an exclusive user of e-cigarettes.
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J Stud Alcohol Drugs · Jul 2020
Opioid Misuse and the Availability of Medical Marijuana Through Dispensaries.
In this study we assess whether changes in ZIP code-level density of medical marijuana facilities are related to changes in rates of opioid poisonings and opioid use disorder hospitalizations in California. ⋯ Although state-level studies suggest that more liberal marijuana policies may result in fewer opioid overdose deaths, our results within one state suggest that local availability of medical marijuana may not reduce those deaths. The relationship appears to be more complex, possibly based on socioeconomic conditions within and adjacent to areas with higher densities of medical marijuana dispensaries.
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J Stud Alcohol Drugs · Jul 2020
Searching for Personalized Medicine for Binge Drinking Smokers: Smoking Cessation Using Varenicline, Nicotine Patch, or Combination Nicotine Replacement Therapy.
Heavy drinking is common among smokers and is associated with especially poor health outcomes. Varenicline may affect mechanisms and clinical outcomes that are relevant for both smoking cessation and alcohol use. The current study examines whether varenicline, relative to nicotine replacement therapy, yields better smoking cessation outcomes among binge drinking smokers. ⋯ Varenicline did not yield higher smoking abstinence rates or reduce alcohol use among binge drinkers. Varenicline did reduce alcohol-related cigarette craving but this did not translate to meaningful differences in smoking abstinence. Varenicline's effects on smoking abstinence do not appear to vary significantly as a function of drinking status.