A recent study found that heavy cannabis users experience a drop in relationship satisfaction when combining cannabis with alcohol, while light cannabis users show no significant changes. In contrast, individuals who use alcohol alone tend to have increased relationship satisfaction the next day. The researchers used a dyadic diary method to track daily fluctuations in substance use and relationship satisfaction among 33 couples.
The study aimed to fill the gap in research on cannabis use in relationships. Previous studies have shown that substance use can both strengthen and strain intimate relationships, but research on cannabis use has been sparse. This study examined how cannabis use within couples interacts with alcohol use.
Heavy cannabis users who combined it with alcohol reported lower relationship satisfaction the next day, while those using alcohol alone experienced increased satisfaction. Interestingly, this effect was not seen in individuals with lighter cannabis use. The researchers suggest that frequency and intensity of cannabis use may be key factors in its impact on relationships.
The study’s findings encourage couples to consider how specific substance use patterns affect their daily interactions and relationship health. While the sample size had limitations, the research highlights the importance of understanding how shared activities, including substance use, influence relationship dynamics.
Source: https://www.psypost.org/cannabis-and-alcohol-use-patterns-linked-to-couples-relationship-quality