Binge drinking among college students is a rising public health concern as it may lead to alcohol intoxication, accidental injuries, and mental health problems. Young adults are predisposed to mental distress and more likely to be risk-takers and exhibit impulsive behaviors. The current study looks at alcohol drinking and its neurobehavioral effects on young men and women.

Data for this study was taken from a larger study examining lifestyle factors, academic performance, and mental distress. The survey included measures such as alcohol use, sleep quality, psychological distress, and academic performance. Some other questions included cumulative GPA, Greek-Life Affiliation, non-prescription ADHD drug use, and energy and caffeinated drinks consumption. Alcohol use was divided into low (0-2 drinks per month), moderate (3-6 drinks a month), and high (7 or more drinks per month). Mental distress was categorized into low, moderate, and high based on participants answers.

The final study included 556 participants between the ages of 18-22. Low alcohol use in young men was associated with responsible behaviors and attitudes. High alcohol use among this group was associated with Greek Life, non-prescription ADHD medication use, drinking to improve mood, getting in trouble at school, and tendency to neglect work. This shows potential associated with behaviors and attitudes that reflect drug dependence and potential lessening of executive functions. Low alcohol use in young women provided similar results to men. High alcohol use in young women was associated with Greek life, likelihood to feel happy when drinking, neglecting work or family, no interesting in learning, and some others. These findings suggest that females are prone to mental distress and may be more likely to use drinking as a quick-fix. Overall, the study showed that alcohol use is most likely to have an effect on young adults neurobehaviors.

Take Away: The current study looks at alcohol drinking and its neurobehavioral effects on young men and women. The study included measures such as alcohol use, sleep quality, psychological distress, and academic performance. The final study included 556 participants between the ages of 18-22. High alcohol use among young men was associated with behaviors and attitudes that reflect drug dependence and potential lessening of executive functions. Findings also suggest that females are prone to mental distress and may be more likely to use drinking as a quick-fix.  Overall, the study showed that alcohol use is most likely to have an effect on young adults neurobehaviors.

Begdache, L., Kianmehr, H., Sabounchi, N., Marszalek, A., & Dolma, N. (2020). Common and differential associations between levels of alcohol drinking, gender-specific neurobehaviors and mental distress in college students. Trends in Neuroscience and Education, 19, 100129. doi:10.1016/j.tine.2020.100129