Roughly 1 in every 3 students reports heavy episodic drinking in the past month. Heavy episodic drinking is considered four or more drinks for females in 2 hours and five or more drinks for males. Episodic drinking has a strong correlation with negative alcohol-related consequences. Many studies suggest that direct measurements (transdermal or concentration-based alcohol sensors) of intoxication may help predict outcomes. The goal of this study was to examine the correspondence of subjective intoxication (SI) with estimated blood alcohol concentration and transdermal alcohol concentration in young adults.
This study consisted of 222 young adults ages 21-29. All participants engaged regularly in heavy episodic drinking and were sufficient in English. Data collection took place over five 24-hour periods span over six days (Wednesday through Monday). Through this time, heavy drinking was intensively tracked among participants. Baseline and endpoint assessments, three times daily EMA reports, and self-initiated EMA drinking episode surveys were all conducted, as well as transdermal alcohol sensors. SI was measured via the EMA drinking survey. The EMA drinking survey had participants answer on a 5-point scale for two questions. The questions asked were “How buzzed are you right now?” and “How drunk are you right now?”. Estimated blood alcohol concertation (eBAC), TAC AUC and Peak, social context and location, and negative alcohol-related consequences were also measured.
This study found moderate associations between momentary SI and eBAC and moderate associations between day-level SI and TAC. Suggesting that, on average, SI serves as a straightforward indicator of intoxication. However, SI and alcohol concentration were more tightly connected on average for some people than others, partly due to biological and experiential factors. The results suggest that real-time SI measurements could be helpful in preventive interventions. More research is needed to understand further when and for what individuals’ SI measures may closely track alcohol concentration and predict consequences.
Takeaway: Real-time SI measurements could be helpful in preventive interventions. However, in some individuals, SI and alcohol concentrations have a tighter connection than in others.