Teen Cannabis Use Predicted Loneliness After High School in Rural Communities
Among youth in rural reservation-based communities, cannabis use and other substance use in 12th grade predicted a 21-24% increased risk of loneliness six months after high school.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Cannabis use in 12th grade was associated with a 21-24% increased risk of loneliness post-high school, similar to alcohol, binge drinking, and vaping. Anxiety and depressive symptoms in 12th grade also predicted loneliness, with 5-point increases associated with 15% and 21% greater risk respectively.
Key Numbers
483 participants. Cannabis use, alcohol use, binge drinking, and vaping each associated with 21-24% increased risk of loneliness. 5-point increase in anxiety symptoms: 15% greater loneliness risk. 5-point increase in depressive symptoms: 21% greater risk.
How They Did This
Longitudinal study of 483 participants from rural reservation-based communities surveyed in 12th grade (Spring 2024) and again six months into young adulthood (Fall 2024). Generalized estimating equations with Poisson distribution assessed predictors of post-high-school loneliness.
Why This Research Matters
Loneliness is a growing public health concern among emerging adults, and rural reservation-based communities face unique challenges. Understanding that substance use predicts post-graduation loneliness can inform prevention timing.
The Bigger Picture
The transition from high school to young adulthood is a vulnerable period, especially in rural communities with limited support resources. Substance use during high school may both signal and contribute to social disconnection that manifests as loneliness later.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Six-month follow-up is short. Specific to rural reservation-based communities, which may limit generalizability. Cannot determine whether substance use caused loneliness or whether shared factors drive both.
Questions This Raises
- ?Does the loneliness persist beyond six months?
- ?Would addressing substance use before graduation reduce loneliness?
- ?What community-specific factors contribute to this pattern?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 21-24% increased loneliness risk from 12th-grade substance use
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate: prospective longitudinal design with a specific population, but short follow-up and limited generalizability
- Study Age:
- Published in 2025 using 2024 survey data
- Original Title:
- Loneliness among emerging adults in rural reservation-based communities: longitudinal effects of 12th grade substance use and mental health symptoms.
- Published In:
- Scientific reports, 15(1), 31935 (2025)
- Authors:
- Barry, Caroline M, Jagtiani, Ashna, Skinner, Juli R, Gassaway, Ashley N, Komro, Kelli A, Livingston, Melvin D
- Database ID:
- RTHC-06014
Evidence Hierarchy
Follows a group of people over time to track how outcomes develop.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does cannabis use cause loneliness?
This study found that cannabis use in 12th grade predicted loneliness six months later, but cannot determine causation. Substance use and loneliness may share common risk factors, or substance use may contribute to social isolation that becomes loneliness after graduation.
Were specific substances worse than others?
No. Cannabis use, alcohol use, binge drinking, and vaping all predicted similar increases in loneliness risk (21-24%). The pattern was consistent across substances.
Read More on RethinkTHC
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-06014APA
Barry, Caroline M; Jagtiani, Ashna; Skinner, Juli R; Gassaway, Ashley N; Komro, Kelli A; Livingston, Melvin D. (2025). Loneliness among emerging adults in rural reservation-based communities: longitudinal effects of 12th grade substance use and mental health symptoms.. Scientific reports, 15(1), 31935. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-18008-8
MLA
Barry, Caroline M, et al. "Loneliness among emerging adults in rural reservation-based communities: longitudinal effects of 12th grade substance use and mental health symptoms.." Scientific reports, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-18008-8
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Loneliness among emerging adults in rural reservation-based ..." RTHC-06014. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/barry-2025-loneliness-among-emerging-adults
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.