The transition from high school to college is a pivotal period for many students during which time risky drinking patterns can develop. Alcohol consumption during college can increase one’s risk of negative consequences which may include poor academic performance, sexual assault, injury, and death. Therefore, understanding risk factors for drinking during colleges is crucial in determining prevention strategies. In addition, understanding where young adults obtain alcohol may be of importance. Previous literature has shown that young adults obtain alcohol from peers/parties, from home without parents’ permission, and from parents/ adult family members. This study examines who is more likely to take alcohol from home without parental permission and if doing so is associated with increased alcohol consumption, experiencing negative consequences, and cannabis use.
The study’s sample consisted of 550 first-year college students from a private mid-sized university on the West Coast. Students completed a questionnaire that assessed how long ago they obtained alcohol from a friend, mother, father, party, or stole it from their parents’ home without permission. Students were asked to report how old they were when they had their first alcoholic drink, typically weekly drinking over the past 30 days, and cannabis use over the past 30 days. Alcohol-related consequences, parental alcohol use, depression, anxiety, and stress were also assessed. Data was analyzed using chi-square analyses and logistic regression models.
Results of the data analysis showed that taking alcohol without permission was associated with earlier alcohol initiation and greater depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Being female, white, having ever used cannabis, having obtained alcohol from a friend, mother, father, or at a party, and observing parental alcohol use while growing up was significantly associated with taking alcohol from one’s parents’ home without permission. Taking alcohol from home without parental permission was also significantly associated with a greater likelihood of drinking during a typical week, experiencing alcohol-related consequences, and cannabis use.
Takeaway: Obtaining alcohol from one’s home without parental permission may impact alcohol use and alcohol-related negative consequences among college students.