%0 Journal Article %J J Consult Clin Psychol %D 2013 %T Indicated prevention for college student marijuana use: a randomized controlled trial. %A Lee, Christine M %A Kilmer, Jason R %A Neighbors, Clayton %A Atkins, David C %A Zheng, Cheng %A Walker, Denise D %A Larimer, Mary E %K Adolescent %K Adult %K Feedback, Psychological %K Female %K Follow-Up Studies %K Humans %K Male %K Marijuana Smoking %K Motivation %K Psychotherapy, Brief %K Students %K Treatment Outcome %K Universities %K Young Adult %X

OBJECTIVE: Marijuana is the most frequently reported illicit substance used on college campuses. Despite the prevalence, few published intervention studies have focused specifically on addressing high-risk marijuana use on college campuses. The present study evaluated the efficacy of an in-person brief motivational enhancement intervention for reducing marijuana use and related consequences among frequently using college students.

METHOD: Participants included 212 college students from 2 campuses who reported frequent marijuana use (i.e., using marijuana at least 5 times in the past month). Participants completed Web-based screening and baseline assessments and upon completion of the baseline survey were randomized to either an in-person brief intervention or an assessment control group. Follow-up assessments were completed approximately 3 and 6 months post-baseline. Marijuana use was measured by number of days used in the past 30 days, typical number of joints used in a typical week in the last 60 days, and marijuana-related consequences.

RESULTS: Results indicated significant intervention effects on number of joints smoked in a typical week and a trend toward fewer marijuana-related consequences compared with the control group at 3-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION: This study provides preliminary data on short-term effects of a focused marijuana intervention for college students at reducing marijuana use during the academic quarter.

%B J Consult Clin Psychol %V 81 %P 702-9 %8 2013 Aug %G eng %N 4 %R 10.1037/a0033285 %0 Journal Article %J J Stud Alcohol Drugs %D 2013 %T Social identity as a moderator of the association between perceived norms and marijuana use. %A Neighbors, Clayton %A Foster, Dawn W %A Walker, Denise D %A Kilmer, Jason R %A Lee, Christine M %K Adult %K Data Collection %K Female %K Humans %K Male %K Marijuana Abuse %K Marijuana Smoking %K Peer Group %K Risk Factors %K Social Identification %K Students %X

OBJECTIVE: This study extends previous examinations of social influences and marijuana use in considering how heavy marijuana users view themselves relative to their peers. We were specifically interested in evaluating whether (a) heavy-using marijuana users would identify more strongly with other users than with typical students, (b) identification with other marijuana users would be more strongly associated with own use, and (c) the association between perceived norms and marijuana use would be moderated by identification with peers.

METHOD: Participants were 107 heavy (five or more times per month) marijuana users who completed an online survey assessing perceived norms for marijuana use, identification with typical students and other marijuana-using students, and marijuana use (frequency of use, joints per week, and hours high).

RESULTS: Participants unexpectedly identified more strongly with typical students rather than with other marijuana-using students. Identification with other marijuana users was, however, associated with more use. In addition, perceived norms were associated with more use but primarily among those who identified more with other users but not with typical students.

CONCLUSIONS: Heavy marijuana users may be reluctant to identify themselves as users and may prefer to think of themselves as typical students. This may provide clinical opportunities to highlight discrepancies. In addition, identification with other users and lack of identification with typical students may be risk factors for heavier use and good indicators of candidacy for norms-based interventions. In sum, the present findings extend our understanding of the influence of social identity among young adult marijuana users and suggest novel directions for intervention strategies.

%B J Stud Alcohol Drugs %V 74 %P 479-83 %8 2013 May %G eng %N 3