Groundbreaking Revelation

In a groundbreaking revelation that challenges conventional wisdom, a significant number of young adults are grappling with acute and chronic pain, which drives them toward cannabis use. This trend has sparked new research from Binghamton University's Psychology Department, uncovering surprising connections between pain and substance use among those aged 18 to 25.

The Studies

The two studies, "Pain Predicts Cannabis Initiation Among Emerging Adults: Results from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study" published in *Behavioral Medicine*, and "Pain Predicts Past-Month Co-Use of Alcohol and Cannabis Among Emerging Adults" in the journal *Alcohol*, highlight the often-overlooked struggles of young adults facing pain. The research, stemming from doctoral candidate Callon Williams's dissertation, included contributions from notable faculty such as Professor Nadine R. Mastroleo and Distinguished Professor Mark F. Lenzenweger.

Misconceptions About Young Adults' Health

Dr. Williams points out the misperception that this demographic is largely free from pain, stating, "Despite the prevailing belief that emerging adults are healthy and pain-free, significant pain persists among them." This eye-opening find stems from data collected through the PATH survey, covering a substantial cohort of 45,971 individuals across the United States from 2013 to 2019—a period characterized by the increased legalization of cannabis for both medical and recreational use.

Combining Cannabis and Alcohol

Shockingly, the research indicates that not only are these young adults turning to cannabis more readily, but they are also combining it with alcohol usage. Specifically, those experiencing moderate to severe pain were found to initiate cannabis use earlier than their peers without pain, and they were 1.4 times more likely to engage in co-use of alcohol and cannabis, a behavior linked to heightened risks such as impaired driving and adverse mental health outcomes.

Underestimation of Chronic Pain

Dr. Emily L. Zale, another key researcher, emphasizes that rates of chronic pain among young people are often underestimated. "The expectation is that young people are inherently healthy. Our studies show that this is not the case, as we replicate pain rates typically associated with older populations," Zale explains.

Critical Insights from the Studies

Using a standardized 10-point pain scale, the studies focused on individuals reporting significant pain (scores of 4 or higher), revealing a critical insight: pain can drive substance use behaviors that warrant further investigation.

Implications for Healthcare Providers

While it's unclear whether the use of cannabis and alcohol will escalate over time, past research suggests this trajectory is likely. For healthcare providers and substance abuse counselors, these findings highlight the necessity of assessing pain levels as they may play a crucial role in young adults' substance use decisions.

Conclusion

As research in this area continues to evolve, the implications are profound—young adults wrestling with pain may require tailored interventions that address their unique challenges, including accessible treatment options that can help mitigate their reliance on substances like cannabis and alcohol.

Next Steps

Stay tuned, as we delve deeper into the intersection of health, pain, and substance use among the emerging adult population, revealing the next steps in addressing this pressing public health issue!