A dangerous consequence of high risk alcohol consumption is alcohol-induced memory loss, which is also known as blacking out. This occurs when large amounts of alcohol are consumed quickly increasing blood alcohol content rapidly. Blackouts are experienced by around half of college students who report drinking and can lead to a variety of adverse effects including school and work impairment. There is also evidence suggesting that cannabis use, especially in combination with alcohol, can increase risk of blackouts. Protective behavioral strategies (PBS) are one potential strategy to lessen risk of blackouts by teaching students behaviors to employ while drinking to reduce high levels of intoxication. This study examines the relationship between PBS and adverse alcohol-related consequences in college students.
The study’s sample consisted of 484 students at a large, public university in northeastern United States who received a mandate to complete an alcohol education as a results of a campus policy violation. Participants were asked to report number of drinks consumed on a drinking day, frequency of heavy episodic drinking, any instances of memory loss while drinking, and cannabis use over the past 30 days. Alcohol related adverse effects were assessed using the Brief Young Adult Alcohol Consequences Questionnaire (BYAACQ). Lastly, protective behavioral strategies were evaluated using the Protective Behavioral Strategies Scale (PBSS). Data was analyzed using multivariable logistic regressions to assess for relationships between variables.
Results of the data analysis showed that one-third of participants reported a blackout in the past month. Participants reporting greater overall use of PBS were less likely to experience a blackout. In addition, participants that reported use of PBS related to manner of drinking and stopping/limiting drinking were less likely to experience a backout. In contrast, those that reported PBS use related to serious harm reduction did not encounter reduced odds of experiencing a blackout.
Takeaway: Utilization of protective behavioral strategies may provide predictive value in assessing blackout risk in college students.