Digital alcohol and cannabis ads, consumption frequency, and driving under the influence.

Abstract

Little is known about the consequences of substance-related advertising on driving under the influence of alcohol (DUIA) or cannabis (DUIC). This study seeks to estimate associations between substance-related digital advertising exposures and DUIA and DUIC, respectively, in a sample of young adults. The Rhode Island Young Adult Survey 2022 was a cross-sectional web-based survey of N=1,022 adults aged 18-25 years. Analyses were conducted among lifetime alcohol users (n=824) and lifetime cannabis users (n=471). Prevalence of past 30-day digital ad exposure to alcohol and cannabis, respectively, was assessed, as well as prevalence of past month DUIA and DUIC. Multivariable logistic regressions examined the association between digital ad exposure and substance use among lifetime users, and ad exposure and DUI among current users. 54.4% of participants reported past 30-day exposure to digital alcohol advertising, and 33.5% reported exposure to digital cannabis advertising. Exposure to social media alcohol advertising was associated with higher odds of DUIA after adjustment for sociodemographic variables (OR[95%CI]=2.14[1.07,4.28]), but not after accounting for frequency of use. Odds of DUIC remained significantly higher for those exposed to app-based cannabis advertising after adjusting for sociodemographic variables (OR[95%CI]=4.36[1.76,10.8]) and frequency of use (OR[95%CI]= 3.96[1.53,10.2]). Since social media alcohol ad exposure may be indirectly linked with DUIA and app-based cannabis ad exposure may be directly linked to frequency of use and DUIC, legislators should consider comprehensive substance-related ad regulations and bans.