Pregaming, or drinking before going out, is common among college students with around 60-70% of college drinkers reporting pregaming within the past month. Past studies have shown that pregaming leads to greater alcohol consumption and more alcohol-related negative effects. In addition, students may engage in risky behaviors which drinking such as playing drinking games, mixing alcohol with energy drinks, and using cannabis. This study examines within- and between-person associations between heavy episodic drinking (HED; 4+/5+ drinks for females/males) and high-intensity drinking (HID; 8+/10+ drinks) while pregaming, negative consequences, and risky substance use behaviors.
The study’s sample consisted of 547 college students from a large, public university in the Northeast US. Participants completed an initial survey followed by 14 consecutive daily surveys during seven sequential semesters. On the daily surveys participants were asked to report number of drinks consumed during the previous day, pregaming behaviors, negative alcohol-related consequences, participation in drinking games, mixing alcohol with energy drinks, and cannabis use. Students were also asked about Greek organization participation, student athlete status, and honors college enrollment. Data was analyzed using three-level logistic and Poisson multilevel models.
Results of the data analysis showed that pregaming was reported at least once by 70.7% of drinkers and on 41.1% of drinking days. Students were more likely to engage in HID on pregame HED days compared to moderate pregaming days. Participants also experienced 68% more negative consequences on pregame HED days. After controlling for alcohol intake, there was no significant within-person association between pregame HED and negative consequences at the daily level. Students were no more likely to play drinking games or mix alcohol with energy drinks on pregame HED days versus moderate pregaming days. However, participants were more likely to use cannabis on pregame HED days compared to moderate pregaming days and no pregaming drinking days.
Takeaway: Pregaming behaviors may impact alcohol consumption during drinking days, risky substance use behaviors, and alcohol-related negative consequences.