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. 2013 Jan;39(1):38-43.
doi: 10.3109/00952990.2012.694519. Epub 2012 Jul 2.

Social contexts of drinking and subsequent alcohol use disorder among college students

Kenneth H Beck  1 , Kimberly M Caldeira, Kathryn B Vincent, Amelia M Arria
Affiliations

Social contexts of drinking and subsequent alcohol use disorder among college students

Kenneth H Beck et al. Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2013 Jan.

Abstract

Background: Previous research has suggested important contextual factors that can differentiate problem and nonproblem drinkers.

Objectives: To evaluate the strength of the prospective association between social contexts of drinking and subsequent alcohol use disorder and drunk driving 2-3 years later.

Methods: The sample consisted of 652 individuals who were originally recruited at college entry, had complete data on at least one social context subscale, met the minimum criteria for Year 1 drinking, and had nonmissing data on at least one of the outcome variables in Years 3 and/or 4. Social contexts of drinking were assessed in Year 1 by using previously validated scales measuring six different situational and motivational contexts in which alcohol is consumed. DSM-IV criteria for alcohol abuse and dependence and drunk driving were assessed annually.

Results: Holding constant gender, race/ethnicity, and baseline drinking frequency, the frequency of drinking in a context of social facilitation, sex-seeking, or in a motor vehicle during Year 1 was significantly related to a greater likelihood of alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, and drunk driving in Years 3 and/or 4. Drinking in a context of emotional pain was related to alcohol dependence and drunk driving but not to alcohol abuse.

Conclusions: The Social Context of Drinking Scales have utility for identifying students who are at risk for developing alcohol-related problems.

Scientific significance: Identifying college students who might develop alcohol dependence requires an assessment of both situational and motivational factors that influence drinking, especially drinking in a motor vehicle.

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Conflict of interest statement

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

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