Adapting a Secondary Prevention Program for Nonstudent Emerging Adult Drinkers

Adapting a Secondary Prevention Program for Nonstudent Emerging Adult Drinkers

Emerging adulthood is a period of heightened vulnerability for problematic alcohol use. Considerable research has been devoted to reducing alcohol risks in college student populations, though far less effort has focused on their noncollege-attending peers. Research targeting nonstudent emerging adults is critical as this group is at risk for experiencing alcohol-related harms. Consequently, the main objective of the present study was to examine the preliminary efficacy of a brief personalized feedback intervention (PFI) tailored for nonstudent at-risk drinkers.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Study eligibility included being 18 to 25 years old, having no prior or current college attendance (e.g., technical/vocational programs, associate's degree programs, or four year college programs), and not being currently enrolled in high school. High school completion was not a required eligibility criteria. They also had to report engaging in a minimum of two heavy drinking episodes (i.e., 4/5+ standard drinks for women/men on one occasion) in the past month

Exclusion Criteria:

• Exclusion criteria included consumption above 40 drinks weekly and/or a history of substance use treatment