Examining the Relationship Between Alcohol-Energy Drink Risk Profiles and High-Risk Drinking Behaviors

Background The mixing of alcohol and energy drinks (AMEDs) is a trend among college students associated with higher rates of heavy episodic drinking and negative alcohol‐related consequences. The goals of this study were to take a person‐centered approach to identify distinct risk profiles of colleg...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Alcoholism, clinical and experimental research clinical and experimental research, 2013-08, Vol.37 (8), p.1410-1416
Main Authors: Varvil-Weld, Lindsey, Marzell, Miesha, Turrisi, Rob, Mallett, Kimberly A., Cleveland, Michael J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Alcohol Drinking - psychology
Alcohol-Energy Drink Cocktails
Alcohol-Related Consequences
Alcoholic Beverages - utilization
Central Nervous System Depressants - administration & dosage
College Students
Energy Drinks - utilization
Ethanol - administration & dosage
Female
High-Risk Drinking
Humans
Male
Risk-Taking
Young Adult
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Summary:Background The mixing of alcohol and energy drinks (AMEDs) is a trend among college students associated with higher rates of heavy episodic drinking and negative alcohol‐related consequences. The goals of this study were to take a person‐centered approach to identify distinct risk profiles of college students based on AMED‐specific constructs (expectancies, attitudes, and norms) and examine longitudinal associations between AMED use, drinking, and consequences. Methods A random sample of incoming freshmen (n = 387, 59% female) completed measures of AMED use, AMED‐specific expectancies, attitudes, and normative beliefs, and drinking quantity and alcohol‐related consequences. Data were collected at 2 occasions: spring semester of freshmen year and fall semester of sophomore year. Results Latent profile analysis identified 4 subgroups of individuals: occasional AMED, anti‐AMED, pro‐AMED, and strong peer influence. Individuals in the pro‐AMED group reported the most AMED use, drinking, and consequences. There was a unique association between profile membership and AMED use, even after controlling for drinking. Conclusions Findings highlighted the importance of AMED‐specific expectancies, attitudes, and norms. The unique association between AMED risk profiles and AMED use suggests AMED use is a distinct behavior that could be targeted by AMED‐specific messages included in existing brief interventions for alcohol use.
ISSN:0145-6008
1530-0277
DOI:10.1111/acer.12102