A Causal Analysis of Young Adults’ Binge Drinking Reduction and Cessation

Citation

Cheng, T. C. & Lo, C. C. (2023). A Causal Analysis of Young Adults' Binge Drinking Reduction and Cessation. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ. vol. 13 (5) pp. 870-882 , PMCID: PMC10217158

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study, using the multiple disadvantage model (MDM), sought to identify factors (disadvantaging social disorganization, social structural, social integration, health/mental health, co-occurring substance use, and substance treatment access factors) in young adults' binge drinking reduction and cessation in the United States. METHODS: We extracted data on 942 young adult binge drinkers (25-34 years, 47.8% female) from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), carrying out a temporal-ordered causal analysis, meaning the evaluation of select variables' impacts on an outcome at a subsequent time. RESULTS: MDM found a relatively high reduction likelihood for non-Hispanic African Americans and respondents with relatively more education. MDM found a relatively low reduction likelihood accompanying an alcohol-related arrest, higher income, and greater number of close friends. Change to nondrinking was found more likely for non-Hispanic African Americans, other non-Hispanic participants having minority ethnicity, older respondents, those with more occupational skills, and healthier respondents. Such change became less likely with an alcohol-related arrest, higher income, relatively more education, greater number of close friends, close friends' disapproval of drinking, and co-occurring drug use. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions incorporating a motivational-interviewing style can effectively promote health awareness, assessment of co-occurring disorders, friendships with nondrinkers, and attainment of occupational skills.

URL

https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe13050066

Keyword(s)

binge drinking

Notes

2254-9625

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ

Author(s)

Cheng, T. C.
Lo, C. C.

Year Published

2023

Volume Number

13

Issue Number

5

Pages

870-882

Edition

2023/05/26

ISSN/ISBN

2174-8144 (Print)

DOI

10.3390/ejihpe13050066

PMCID

PMC10217158

Reference ID

10047