Heavy alcohol consumption is a major issue among college students in the United States. In a recent survey, one in every ten college students reported consuming more than 10 alcoholic drinks in a row during the past 2 weeks. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a variety of adverse effects and is one of the leading causes of premature death in the United States. To help combat excessive alcohol use many colleges have implemented specific alcohol policies and disciplinary mandates for violations of these policies. Previous studies have demonstrated that mandated students use alcohol and other drugs (AOD) at a higher rate, are more likely to engage in risk behaviors, and experience more negative consequences. This study examines predictors of mandated students’ alcohol use frequency and polysubstance use. 

The study’s sample consisted of 822 mandated college students from a public university in the Southeast United States. Prior to students starting their alcohol intervention course, they completed an online survey that assessed age of first drink of alcohol, frequency of alcohol use during the past 30 days, and use of alcohol and > 1 other drug over the last 30 days. Participants were also asked to report gender identity, Greek organization affiliation, race, classification in school, age, and perceived alcohol-related norms. Data was analyzed using multivariate OLS regression and logistic regressions.  

Results of the data analysis showed that early-onset alcohol use, identifying as male, Greek affiliation, race (white), and perceived norms were all significantly and positively associated with mandated college students’ alcohol use frequency. 21% of participants indicated polysubstance use with alcohol and one other substance during the past 30 days. Students participating in Greek organizations were 1.5 times more likely to report polysubstance use. Early onset alcohol use was 2 times more likely and inflated perceived alcohol norms were 1.25 times more likely to be associated with polysubstance use.  

Takeaway: Early-onset alcohol use may be associated with alcohol consumption frequency and polysubstance use among mandated college students.  

Montemayor, B.N., Noland, M., Barry, A.E.. College students mandated to substance use courses: Age-of-onset as a predictor of contemporary polysubstance use [published online ahead of print, 2022 Oct 4]. Journal of American College Health. 2022;1-8. doi:10.1080/07448481.2022.2128682