Recorded presentation

Clara M. Bradizza, PhD, R. Lorraine Collins, PhD, and Audrey Kubiak, MA. Research Institute on Addictions, University of Buffalo, 1021 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, 716-887-2532, bradizza@ria.buffalo.edu

Malt liquor (ML) is marketed to young adults and minorities who are attracted to its low price, packaging (40 oz containers), and high alcohol content (> 6%). Given these ML characteristics, those who regularly consume it may be at risk for heavy drinking and associated use of other substances. Regular ML drinkers (minimum 40 oz/week) reported substance use during each of the past 30 days. The men (n = 341) and women (n = 130) were 18 to 35 years old (M = 22.87, SD = 4.26) and either European American (n = 266) or minority (n = 203; mostly African American = 141 and Latino = 23). 30-DAY ALCOHOL USE. Participants drank on an average of 16.18 days (SD = 6.29), including consuming ML alone on an average of 3.10 days (SD = 4.97). SMOKING AND 30-DAY DRUG USE. Most (n = 273; 58%) were regular smokers and many (n = 158) smoked menthol cigarettes. They used drugs on an average of 7.99 days (SD = 10.14); mainly marijuana. ML and marijuana often were used on the same day. SIGNIFICANT GENDER, ETHNICITY AND SMOKING STATUS DIFFERENCES. Women drank ML on more days than men. Minorities drank ML and other alcohol on more days than European Americans. Smokers drank alcohol and used drugs on more days than nonsmokers. Regular ML drinkers frequently consume alcohol and use illicit drugs, particularly marijuana. They exhibit high rates of smoking and smokers reported the highest frequency of substance use. Women, minorities and smokers may be particularly vulnerable to frequent use of ML and illicit substances.

Learning Objectives:

• To examine 30-day frequency of the consumption of malt liquor and illicit substances among young adults and minorities. To compare frequency of use based on gender, ethnicity and smoking status.

Keywords: Alcohol Use, Substance Abuse

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation