A national survey to examine the link between firearm suicidal and homicidal thoughts and behaviors with alcohol and cannabis use and outlet density
Extending ongoing research on firearms, suicide, and alcohol, this study will expand a national survey to explore the relationship between cannabis use, cannabis outlet density, and firearm-related harms, paralleling insights from alcohol-related research. The findings will inform regulatory policies and future research on the intersection of substance use and firearm violence.
Abstract
With the support of a NIMH R01, we have initiated a program of research on firearm-specific suicidal thoughts and behaviors with an emphasis on alcohol as a proximal risk factor. A premise of this research is that the study of firearm-related harms can be enhanced by assessing thoughts about using a firearm to harm oneself or others and precursive behaviors as they are a more sensitive measure of risk and identify points of intervention prior to serious physical harm. Pilot funding is requested to leverage a national survey (N = 7000) on firearms, suicide, and alcohol by expanding its coverage to build a parallel line of research on firearms, homicide (interpersonal violence), and cannabis, effectively doubling the significance and impact of the research. We focus on cannabis because legalization has dramatically changed the role of cannabis in American life. In this new environment, research is needed to determine if cannabis use at the individual level and cannabis outlet density at the community level—similar to alcohol outlet density—are associated with firearm-related harms. Obtaining high quality data on these questions will help to inform the evolving regulatory structure on cannabis and firearms and future NIDA grant proposals on their linkages.