The effects of alcohol and marijuana co-use patterns on intimate partner aggression perpetration

Dyadic cannabis use, alcohol use and relationship satisfaction: A daily diary study

OBJECTIVE

Intimate relationships are important contexts for understanding individuals' substance use patterns and trajectories. Using a dyadic daily diary design reporting over 14 consecutive days, the present study examined the association between cannabis use, alcohol use, and momentary relationship satisfaction among adult couples METHOD: Eligible individuals on Prolific were invited to participate. We identified 33 couples where both partners participated. Participants completed a baseline survey and a 14-day daily diary study assessing their daily cannabis use, alcohol use, and relationship satisfaction. Multilevel modeling was used, within an Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM), to evaluate the individual and interactive effects of one's own use and their partner's use on relationship satisfaction RESULTS: Significant actor and partner effects of alcohol and cannabis use were found using both baseline and daily report data. For individuals who use cannabis more heavily among sampled couples, cannabis and alcohol co-use was associated with reduction in their own next-day relationship satisfaction while alcohol-only use was significantly associated with increased next-day satisfaction. There were no significant effects of one's own or their partner's effects for individuals who use cannabis more lightly.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings replicate and extend prior research by demonstrating the dynamic nature of dyadic substance use and highlighting the unique impact of alcohol and cannabis co-use on daily relationship functioning.

Sex and Gender Differences in Simultaneous Alcohol and Cannabis Use: a Narrative Review

Purpose of Review

The aim is to review recent literature on sex and gender differences in patterns of use, motives, pharmacological effects, and consequences of simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use (SAC).

Recent Findings

Men engage in SAC more frequently than women. Women may have more substance-specific motives for use, while men tend to consistently endorse social/enhancement motives for both alcohol and cannabis. Regarding pharmacological effects, women experience the same subjective effects as men do at lower levels of use, with some evidence that women modulate cannabis use during simultaneous use episodes to avoid greater subjective intoxication. Finally, women appear more vulnerable to experiencing a range of positive and negative consequences from SAC relative to men.

Summary

Research has identified several important sex/gender differences in SAC and its correlates and consequences. However, research has primarily focused on white and cisgender populations, with a need for more research among racial/ethnic and gender minorities.