Event-Level Examinations of Impaired Control, Protective Behavioral Strategies, and Alcohol-Related Consequences.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Addiction Science

Background:

• Impaired control over alcohol use is a significant risk factor for alcohol use disorder.
• Research on event-level impaired control behaviors, like unplanned drinking, shows mixed results.
• The role of protective behavioral strategies (PBS) in buffering daily alcohol-related consequences is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between unplanned drinking, the quantity of unintended drinks, and alcohol-related consequences.
• To investigate how PBS may buffer the effects of impaired control on daily drinking behaviors and consequences.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 121 college-attending emerging adults (80% female, 52% White, mean age 20.69).
• Participants completed pre- and post-weekend surveys assessing intended/actual drinking, PBS use, and negative alcohol-related consequences.
• Statistical analyses focused on between-person interactions to understand the interplay of drinking behaviors and PBS.

Main Results:

• A significant three-way interaction indicated that for individuals with more planned drinking, unintended drinks positively correlated with consequences, especially when 'alternatives' PBS were high.
• 'Strategies while drinking' PBS also posed risks when combined with higher quantities of unintended drinks.
• Certain PBS may amplify negative consequences for individuals exhibiting impaired control over alcohol use.

Conclusions:

• The findings suggest that not all PBS are universally beneficial and some may exacerbate alcohol-related problems.
• Interventions should be tailored to consider the specific context and type of PBS recommended.
• Further research into self-compassion as a potential protective factor for individuals with impaired control is warranted.