Alcohol, Tobacco, and Marijuana Use during the Initial Transition to College

Objective: In this study, we aimed to examine substance use among college students during the acute period of transition between high school and college. Methods: One week before coming to campus, participants completed an online survey assessing their alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use. Next, beginning on the first Friday of the semester, they completed a 10-day experience sampling (ES) protocol, receiving one app-based survey each morning assessing recent substance use. Results: Among students who used any tobacco product prior to college, 70% or more reported alcohol use during ES. Among previous marijuana users, 85.7% reported alcohol use during ES. Baseline alcohol and tobacco use were not associated with subsequent marijuana use. Conclusions: Substance use prevention should target the transition to college.