OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to better examine substance use among college students during the acute period of transition between high school and college. METHODS: One week before coming to campus, participants completed an online survey assessing their alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use. Next, beginning on the first Friday of the semester, they completed a 10-day experience sampling (ES) protocol, receiving one app-based survey each morning assessing recent substance use. RESULTS: Among students who used any tobacco product prior to college, 70% or more reported alcohol use during ES. Among previous marijuana users, 85.7% reported alcohol use during ES. Baseline alcohol and tobacco use were not associated with subsequent marijuana use. CONCLUSIONS: Substance use prevention should target the transition to college.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to better examine substance use among college students during the acute period of transition between high school and college. METHODS: One week before coming to campus, participants completed an online survey assessing their alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use. Next, beginning on the first Friday of the semester, they completed a 10-day experience sampling (ES) protocol, receiving one app-based survey each morning assessing recent substance use. RESULTS: Among students who used any tobacco product prior to college, 70% or more reported alcohol use during ES. Among previous marijuana users, 85.7% reported alcohol use during ES. Baseline alcohol and tobacco use were not associated with subsequent marijuana use. CONCLUSIONS: Substance use prevention should target the transition to college.
Authors: Cynthia K Suerken; Beth A Reboussin; Erin L Sutfin; Kimberly G Wagoner; John Spangler; Mark Wolfson Journal: Addict Behav Date: 2014-01 Impact factor: 3.913