Protective behavioral strategies and planned drinking relate to high intensity drinking and consequences at the day...

Heavy episodic drinking (HED; 4 + [females]/5 + [males] drinks/occasion), high-intensity drinking (HID; 8 + [females]/10 + [males] drinks/occasion), and drinking events that are planned are all associated with negative consequences. Protective behavioral strategies (PBS) are techniques to minimize alcohol-related consequences. In this day-level study, we hypothesized (1) PBS use would be associated with safer same-day drinking (lower odds of HID and negative consequences), and (2) risks of HID and consequences associated with planned drinking would be reduced on days with higher PBS use. Additionally, (3) on HID days, having planned to engage in HID was hypothesized to relate to use of fewer PBS.

Young adults (n = 203, 57 % female) completed a baseline assessment and 28-day ecological momentary assessment of drinking intentions, and number of drinks.

In total, 2,467 drinking days were captured (52% planned, 27% HID). Using more PBS was associated with lower odds of HID (relative to HED but not moderate drinking), and fewer consequences, partially supporting our first hypothesis. PBS did not moderate effects of planned drinking on HID or negative consequence odds. On planned (vs unplanned) HID days, fewer PBS were used, supporting our third hypothesis.

Planning to drink is linked reliably to heavier drinking and negative consequences, but day-level associations between PBS and risky drinking are complex. PBS appear to have less impact on consequences when drinking is planned. When HID in particular is planned, fewer PBS are used. For days when HID is planned, real-time reminders of PBS may add value to intervention efforts.