Work

Effects of a Parent-Based Intervention on Positive and Negative Alcohol and Cannabis Consequences Among First Year College Students

Year: 2026

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: College student alcohol and cannabis use is associated with negative and positive consequences, the latter of which is associated with greater subsequent use. This study tested a parent-based handbook intervention on first-year students’ alcohol and cannabis consequences. Parent-student dyads were randomized to control ( n = 309) or handbook ( n = 609). Parents received the handbook before college. Students completed surveys in their senior year of high school (baseline) and first semester of college (time 2). Zero-inflated Poisson regression models examined intervention effects on negative and positive alcohol and cannabis consequences at time 2 and potential gender moderation. Compared to controls, intervention students were more likely to report zero negative and positive alcohol and cannabis consequences, fewer negative and positive cannabis consequences, and fewer positive alcohol consequences, with some associations more pronounced for males compared to females. Findings suggest this low-cost handbook is an effective strategy to reduce alcohol- and cannabis-related harms among college students.

Source: Emerging Adulthood

DOI: 10.1177/21676968261465712

Authors: Kristi M. Morrison, Jennifer C. Duckworth, Brittany Rhoades Cooper, Laura G. Hill

Institution: Washington State University

Language: English

Topic: Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute on Drug Abuse