HEATHER L KIMMEL
$154,303
Christian J Hopfer
MATTHEW K. MCGUE
Scott Ian Vrieze
University of Colorado Denver
Colorado
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
This supplemental grant proposes to add questions to extend the aims of the parent project by collecting additional data related to COVID-19 including financial hardships, social/interpersonal problems, stress, mental health, and substance use changes. Data will also be collected on whether participants are essential workers, were exposed to COVID-19, or have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Parent grant Aim 1: Effect of RML on substance use/misuse, mental health, & psychosocial function Aim 1 extended: Effect of COVID-19 pandemic and RML on substance use/misuse, mental health & psychosocial function. We will test the hypothesis that access to RML increases the likelihood that the stress and disruption associated with COVID-19 will lead to increased marijuana use and abuse. Relatedly, we will test the extent to which increased marijuana use, related to RML and stress/disruptions from COVID-19, is accompanied by increases in other substance use, mental health disorders, or psychosocial dysfunction. Parent grant Aim 2: Individual differences in the effect of RML Aim 2 extended: Examine individual differences in the effect of COVID-19 pandemic and RML. Examine individual differences in the effects of COVID-19 and legalization by leveraging parallel multi-wave longitudinal twin studies in CO and MN, which both began collecting substance use, psychopathology, and psychosocial function during the twins' adolescence. This supplemental assessment will allow us to: a) identify how COVID-19 differentially impacts individuals depending on legalization and prior exposure to marijuana; b) examine how individuals differ in their vulnerability and resilience to the effects COVID-19, in the context of legalization, based on their individual level of risk (e.g., prior diagnosis of anxiety or depression); and c) examine if there are differential associations between COVID-19 and substance use/dependence, mental health, and psychosocial problems depending on legalization status and gender.