Factors Associated with Simultaneous or Concurrent Use of Alcohol and Marijuana in Argentina

SALGUERO, AGUSTÍN; PILATTI, ANGELINA; MICHELINI, YANINA; RIVAROLA MONTEJANO, GABRIELA; PAUTASSI, RICARDO MARCOS

SUBSTANCE USE AND MISUSE

TAYLOR & FRANCIS INC

Año: 2022 vol. 57 p. 1062 - 1071

1082-6084

Background: The identification of factors promoting simultaneous alcohol and marijuana (SAM)use is important to promote early intervention efforts. The associations between impulsivityfacets and SAM (or concurrent alcohol and marijuana, CAM) use have been analyzed in NorthAmerican samples. These topics, however, remain unexplored in South American samples. Thisstudy assessed if internalizing symptoms, five impulsivity dimensions, and emotional regulationstrategies differentiate between participants who reported last 2-month SAM use, CAM use,alcohol, or marijuana only use, or that reported no substance use. Methods: A sample of 1057Argentinian citizens answered an online survey. A multinominal logistic regression wasconducted on drug use membership. Results: Circa 25% of the sample reported SAM use.Higher sensation seeking differentiated between SAM use versus no substance use, and thosewith lower sensation seeking were more likely to be classified into the alcohol-only group orinto the nonuse group, than into the SAM use group. Stress scores uniquely predictedmembership into the alcohol-only category. Those with lower use of emotional suppressionwere more likely than nonusers to be classified in all drug use categories, except CAM use.Higher emotional suppression scores were associated with membership into the nonuse groupor the alcohol-only group, when compared to the SAM use group. Hazardous drinking wassignificantly greater in SAM than in alcohol-only users. Conclusions: The study highlights therelevance of sensation seeking as a predictor of SAM use and pinpoints emotional suppressionas common factor modulating hazardous drug use behaviors.