A qualitative review of psychosocial risk factors associated with caffeinated alcohol use

Abstract

Caffeinated alcoholic beverages (CABs) are increasingly popular among young adults. The use of such beverages is associated with negative consequences including heavy alcohol use, risky sexual and driving behaviors, as well as other drug use. The prevalence of CAB use and their related harms warrants greater focus into the factors that may explain why use is associated with negative outcomes or what factors may impact their association. Consequently, the present study reviewed existing research on CABs and highlighted constructs (i.e., drinking motives, substance expectancies, perceived drinking norms, risk-taking propensity) that could act as mediators or moderators of CAB use and consequences. We proposed implications for practice and future research.