High-Intensity Drinking among Adolescent and Emerging Adult Risky Drinkers

Abstract

Background: High-intensity drinking (HID; 8+ U.S. standard drinks for women, 10+ men) is initiated during adolescence/emerging adulthood, increasing risk for negative outcomes, including blackouts. We examined baseline data from a study of risky drinking youth to identify factors associated with HID. Methods: Risky drinkers (ages 16–24) were recruited online (positive 3-month AUDIT-C score) as part of a larger study to examine social media interventions for risky drinking. We used baseline survey data to examine HID in relation to demographics, substance use–related variables, and individual and social factors. Results: Among 931 risky drinkers, 29.8% reported past-month HID, and those with HID reported greater substance use and consequences. In multivariable analysis, HID was associated with male sex; greater social motives, impulsivity, and motivation; lower self-efficacy; and greater likelihood of not living with parents, drinking with important peers, and parental disapproval of posting drinking pictures. When examining age group interactions (16–20; 21–24), underage drinkers with high sensation-seeking scores and lower parental disapproval of posting drinking pictures on social media reported greater HID. Conclusions: Among risky drinking youth, male sex, social motives, impulsivity, higher motivation to and lower-self-efficacy to reduce drinking, living away from parents, more frequent drinking with important peers, and lower parental disapproval of posting drinking pictures on social media were positively associated with HID. Further, HID was associated with greater health consequences, underscoring the need for HID interventions. Such interventions may benefit from enhancing motivation and self-efficacy, particularly in social contexts, as well as increasing positive peer and leisure activities to reduce HID.

Factors Associated With Risky Drinking Decisions in a Virtual Reality Alcohol Prevention Simulation: Structural Equation Model

“…For instance, binge drinking is correlated with increased impulsivity and sensation seeking [6], while Stautz et al [7] and Percy et al [8] established an association between high sensation seeking and an increased likelihood of heavy episodic drinking. Other studies have identified binge drinking as particularly linked to male gender and reduced self-efficacy [9]. Moreover, engagement in other legal or illegal substances, apart from alcohol, correlates with increased risk behavior.…”

Gender differences in alcohol drinking among adolescents: a school-based survey in China

“…Young adults who have experienced serious mental health issues in the past year were found to be four times more likely to engage in alcohol consumption at harmful levels within the previous month 22. A study conducted in the USA identified that male individuals, along with stronger social motives, impulsiveness and lower levels of self-efficacy, were associated with high-intensity drinking behaviours 23. As grade level increases, the prevalence of binge drinking among students also tends to rise.…”

“… 22 A study conducted in the USA identified that male individuals, along with stronger social motives, impulsiveness and lower levels of self-efficacy, were associated with high-intensity drinking behaviours. 23 As grade level increases, the prevalence of binge drinking among students also tends to rise. For instance, data indicate that 2.2% of students reported binge drinking in the past 30 days during 8th grade, while this figure increases to 10.3% among students in 10th grade.…”