The study published on Taylor & Francis Online delves into the intricate relationship between daily stress, drinking motives, and the co-use of alcohol with other substances among college students. By examining data from a longitudinal study of college student drinkers, the research explores how individual differences in coping and enhancement drinking motives predict patterns of alcohol co-use with cigarettes, marijuana, and other substances. Here are key insights gleaned from the study:

Trajectories of Substance Co-Use

The research identified distinct trajectories of substance co-use among college students, with findings indicating shifts in alcohol co-use patterns based on daily stress levels, day-of-the-week effects, sex differences, and individual variations in coping and enhancement drinking motives. Multilevel multinomial logistic regression was used to predict the likelihood of alcohol and other substance co-use relative to alcohol-only days, revealing nuanced associations between stress, drinking motives, and substance use behaviours.

Impact of Daily Stress

Daily stress levels were found to influence the likelihood of alcohol co-use with cigarettes, marijuana, and other substances among college students. Days characterised by greater academic stress were associated with increased odds of alcohol and other substance co-use, while interpersonal stress heightened the probability of alcohol co-use with cigarettes. These findings underscore the role of stress as a contributing factor to substance co-use behaviours among young adults.

Individual differences in coping and enhancement drinking motives emerged as significant predictors of alcohol co-use patterns. Participants with higher levels of coping motivation were more likely to engage in alcohol co-use with cigarettes, other substances, and multiple substances, emphasising the role of coping strategies in substance use behaviours. Similarly, individuals with elevated enhancement motives exhibited greater likelihood of all types of alcohol and other substance co-use, highlighting the influence of positive reinforcement processes on substance consumption patterns.

Source: Taylor & Francis Online