Examining Early Adversity, Polysubstance Use, and Depressive Symptoms in College Students

Abstract College students face multiple stressors that increase vulnerability to mental health challenges and risky substance use, including simultaneous polysubstance use (using multiple substances at once), which poses significant health risks. This study examined the relationship between polysubstance use and depressive symptoms among a quota‑based sample of college students. Data from 2155 students who reported past-year alcohol use were analyzed using multivariable linear regression. Measures included self-reported indices of past-month alcohol, cannabis, and non-prescribed stimulant use (individually and simultaneously); depressive symptoms; and adverse childhood experiences. Cannabis and stimulant use were associated with higher depressive symptoms ( p < 0.01). Alcohol-stimulant polysubstance use was associated with depressive symptoms ( p < 0.05), while alcohol-cannabis was not ( p > 0.05). Adverse childhood experiences remained a significant correlate of depressive symptoms across all models. Findings underscore the need for campus mental health prevention and intervention efforts addressing polysubstance use and incorporating trauma-informed strategies for early childhood adversity.