Do tobacco use characteristics differentiate binge drinking frequencies among young adults that drink and smoke?  A recent study explored this question in young adults (18-25yo) that self-reported past month use of both substances (smoked ≥ 1 cigarette, drank ≥ 1 alcoholic beverage).  Study participants were recruited using internet-based methods to complete an online survey where they self-reported both alcohol and tobacco use (n=1,405).  Participants were grouped according to binge drinking frequency [1) non-binge drinkers who consumed alcohol (0 days; 27.5%); 2) occasional binge drinkers (1-3 days; 37.9%); 3) intermediate binge drinkers (4-8 days; 21.9%); 4) frequent binge drinkers (9+ days; 12.7%)] and then compared for tobacco use characteristics.  Compared with non-binge drinkers, statistical analyses revealed that all binge drinkers self-identified as social smokers, suggesting some tobacco use characteristics associated with binge drinking regardless of frequency.  Other tobacco use characteristics associated with specific binge drinking frequencies—occasional and frequent binge drinkers smoked more cigarettes per day, and frequent binge drinkers reported more temptations to smoke in positive/affective social situations.

Take Away: This study concluded that the extent of binge drinking seems to serve as an important factor influencing tobacco use characteristics in young adults.  Smoking cessation programs targeting young adults may consider providing coping mechanisms for specifically dealing with temptations to smoke in social situations involving alcohol use.

 

Gubner, N. R., Delucchi, K. L., & Ramo, D. E. (2016). Associations between binge drinking frequency and tobacco use among young adults. Addictive behaviors60, 191-196.