Reported use of non-prescribed marijuana for biomedical and psychiatric conditions among regular marijuana users

Abstract

Aims: Substance use disorders (SUD) often start in adolescence, making this transitional period critical. Treatment is effective for youths but relapse is common. For youths in SUD remission wishing to attend college, the high rates of substance use on campus are a serious threat to continued sobriety. Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs) are an innovative model of campus-based recovery support that is growing exponentially but remains unexplored. Demographic andclinical information is lackingonstudents inCRPs and on their experiences with CRPs. Such knowledge can inform model development and evaluation. Methods: Data from an online survey of CRP students describes their background and clinical history, reasons for CRP participation, overall experiences with and use of CRP services. Results: Students (preliminary N=480, target M=550) from 25 universities in17 states were 56% male, Caucasians (91%) with an average age of 26; 12% were veterans. Drugs had been the primary problem for 58% (42% alcohol). Over half (59%) had been charged with a crime and 33% had had a period of homelessness; 82% had been in addiction treatment, 93% had attended 12-steps. Although substance-free, a minority engage in other addictive behaviors at a problematic level (e.g., 12% each compulsive eating and sex/love addiction past 90 days); 41% smoke and 66% are being treated for a mental healthproblem. CRPenrollmentduration ranged from1 to8 semesters; top referral sources areword ofmouth (29%), treatment (22%) and 12-step groups (12%). One third of students said they would not be in college right now were it not for the CRP and 60% find the CRP quite a bit or extremely helpful to their recovery. Conclusions: CRP students experienced severe consequences of their SUD; CRPs may promote college attendance in recovery. Further information is needed on compulsive behavior patterns in recovery to promote healthy functioning. Financial Support: Financial support NIDA Grant R21DA033448.