In an effort to reduce heavy alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences among community college students, a recent study assessed the efficacy of a Text Message Alcohol Program (TMAP). Study participants included community college students (18-28yo) that reported 1 binge drinking day in the previous two weeks. All participants completed an online survey at baseline, week six (end of intervention), and week 12 (follow-up) that self-reported alcohol use and experience of alcohol-related consequences. Participants assigned the TMAP intervention received six text messages per week for six weeks (n=31). Message content included facts about alcohol, strategies to limit alcohol use and alcohol-related risks, and motivation messages. Participants assigned the control condition received motivational texts unrelated to alcohol use (n=29). Results indicated that at week 6, TMAP participants were less likely than control participants to report heavy drinking and alcohol-related consequences. Unlike control participants, TMAP participants also demonstrated increased self-efficacy to resist drinking in high-risk situations at week 6 compared with baseline. These findings were maintained through week 12 (follow-up).
Take Away: This study’s findings support that text messages focused on harm-reduction techniques may be an effective approach toward reducing heavy alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences among young adults. Future studies may consider conducting a larger trial at both community and 4-year colleges, as well as evaluating the mechanism mediating the positive intervention effects.