Alcohol and cannabis cessation and reduction attempts and outcomes among sexual minority women and gender diverse individuals assigned female at birth.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals are at a higher risk for cannabis and alcohol use disorders than cisgender, heterosexual individuals. However, little research has examined attempts to quit or reduce alcohol or cannabis use in SGM individuals. A few key risk factors for unsuccessful quit attempts identified in the general population-namely, substance use problems, mood disorders, coping-motivated use, and stress-are experienced at higher rates among SGM individuals than their cisgender, heterosexual peers. The prevalence of these risk factors and substance use disorders may put SGM individuals at higher risk of poor cessation outcomes. The current study aimed to cross-sectionally examine alcohol and cannabis use problems, minority stress, solitary use, and motives for use in association with cessation/reduction attempts in a sample of 408 sexual minority women and gender diverse individuals assigned female at birth. Results indicate that individuals who experienced more alcohol or cannabis use problems or frequently use substances to cope are more likely to have attempted to quit but less likely to have succeeded. Other alcohol and cannabis use motives, mental health, and solitary use were also associated with cessation outcomes but with less consistent patterns. Minority stress was unrelated to cessation attempts. Findings suggest a high desire to quit coupled with a low likelihood of success, especially among heavy users or those using alcohol or cannabis to cope. This highlights the need for prospective research and further examination of the role of coping on cessation attempts in this population.