Frequency of Cannabis Use in Young Adults May Signal Binge Drinking Risk
A recent study finds that increased cannabis use among young adults may predict higher rates of binge drinking, with important implications for prevention strategies during early adulthood.
Recent research highlights a significant link between cannabis consumption and binge drinking behaviors among young adults. The study reveals that increased frequency of cannabis use during early adulthood correlates with a higher likelihood of engaging in binge drinking—defined as consuming four or more drinks for women and five or more for men on a single occasion. As young individuals transition from late teens into their early twenties, their patterns of substance use tend to rise in tandem, suggesting shared underlying factors.
The study, involving 526 participants tracked over several years, found that when these young adults increased their use of cannabis, their binge drinking frequency also increased. This pattern was consistent both across different individuals and within the same person over time between ages 18 to 22. Interestingly, by the ages of 24 to 25, this relationship shifted, with frequent cannabis use now associated with reduced binge drinking, likely reflecting lifestyle changes and evolving motives related to substance use.
This groundbreaking research is the first to analyze the bidirectional relationship between cannabis use frequency and binge drinking across early adulthood. It underscores an important window of opportunity: targeting cannabis use during the late teens and early twenties might help reduce the risk of problematic drinking behaviors. Such insights could inform prevention strategies aimed at decreasing the incidence of alcohol use disorder and related societal costs.
The findings have important implications for clinicians and policymakers aiming to develop effective interventions tailored to young adults’ substance use patterns. By focusing on cannabis consumption during critical developmental years, there may be potential to curb binge drinking and its associated health risks.
For more details, see the full study by Jack T. Waddell et al., published in cohol: Clinical and Experimental Research.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-frequently-young-adults-cannabis-binge.html
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