High-Intensity Drinking Is Linked to Greater Same-Day Positive and Negative Consequences in Young Adults.

OBJECTIVE

Young adults who report high-intensity drinking (HID; 8+/10+ drinks for females/males) are more likely to experience negative alcohol consequences than those reporting heavy episodic drinking (HED; 4+/5+ drinks for females/males). Identifying for whom and when HID is associated with same-day negative (and positive) consequences may inform intervention approaches. We hypothesized that negative consequences would be more likely on HID versus HED days, and when HID levels were reached more quickly.

METHOD: Young adults reporting prior HID (N = 203, 57% female) completed a 28-day ecological momentary assessment of alcohol use and consequences. Generalized hierarchical linear modeling was used to test hypothesized effects. Analyses also explored the odds of each unique negative (e.g., hangover) and positive (e.g., improved mood) consequence.

RESULTS

HID (vs. HED) was related to more same-day negative consequences. In exploratory analyses, HID was associated with increased odds of being rude/obnoxious, hurting/injuring oneself, feeling too drunk, nausea, vomiting, sleeping worse, hangover, and memory loss. HID (vs. HED) was also related to more same-day positive consequences. In exploratory analyses, HID was associated with increased odds of expressing feelings more easily, feeling more energetic, having an improved mood, being more sociable, achieving a desirable level of intoxication, laughing with others, and having a fun/exciting time. Drinking duration was not significantly related to consequences on HID days.

CONCLUSIONS

Same-day positive consequences of HID may help explain why this risky behavior recurs despite its negative consequences. From a prevention and intervention perspective, health care providers and clinicians are strongly encouraged to prioritize alcohol interventions for young adults reporting 8-10 drinks per occasion.