# Ambulatory Assessment of Simultaneous Alcohol and Marijuana Use: Impact on Alcohol Use and Consequences

> **NIH NIH K08** · BROWN UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $186,922

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Through research and training activities described in this K08 proposal, the PI will acquire the skills necessary
to become an independent clinical science researcher in the comprehensive study of alcohol co-use behaviors.
Aside from tobacco, alcohol and marijuana are the most commonly used substances nationwide, and the most
frequently co-used. With the rapid legalization of marijuana in the United States, it is likely that rates of co-use
will continue to rise, particularly among young adults who currently report the highest rates of use. Despite the
combined legislative changes and rising public acceptance of marijuana, little is known about how
simultaneous use of alcohol and marijuana (SAM) impacts alcohol behaviors. Additionally, necessities of
laboratory research (e.g. lower potency marijuana, controlled drinking contexts) present challenges in studying
the effects of SAM use. The purpose of the proposed study is to examine whether SAM use leads to increased
alcohol consumption and consequences by utilizing ambulatory assessment (AA) methodology. AA involves
the integration of assessment methodologies (e.g. self-report, behavioral, physiological) to study individuals in
their natural environment. The proposed study would be the first to employ novel behavioral assessments of
disinhibition and motor impairment and biological measures of alcohol use (transdermal alcohol concentration:
TAC) to study the impact of SAM use on alcohol consumption at the event level and consequences at the daily
level. The study involves original data collection from young adult regular alcohol and marijuana users (N=80)
who will complete 4 weeks of AA data collection while wearing alcohol biosensors to assess TAC. A
combination of self-initiated and random reports of alcohol and marijuana use, subjective intoxication, and
craving; paired with behavioral assessment of disinhibition and motor impairment (gait and balance) will be
collected. The PI will collaborate with an impressive mentorship team carrying extensive experience in four
areas of training: 1) behavioral and pharmacological effects of alcohol and marijuana co-use (Jane Metrik,
PhD); 2) ambulatory assessment (Robert Miranda, PhD; Timothy Trull, PhD); 3) alcohol biosensor technology
(Nancy Barnett, PhD); and 4) advanced statistical analyses (Kristina Jackson, PhD). The proposed 5-year
training plan will prepare the PI for a career as a clinical scientist with expertise in the study of alcohol co-use
behaviors; with the ultimate goal of conducting mixed-method designs to capture behavior in controlled
laboratory conditions and the natural environment. Research and training will occur at the Center for Alcohol
and Addiction Studies (CAAS) at Brown University. CAAS is an interdisciplinary center devoted to research
and training in the study of addiction. The proposed research will advance our understanding of mechanisms
by which SAM use impacts alcohol use and consequences by buil...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10237289
- **Project number:** 5K08AA027551-03
- **Recipient organization:** BROWN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Rachel Lyn Gunn
- **Activity code:** K08 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $186,922
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-09-20 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10237289

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10237289, Ambulatory Assessment of Simultaneous Alcohol and Marijuana Use: Impact on Alcohol Use and Consequences (5K08AA027551-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10237289. Licensed CC0.

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