Social Facilitation of Alcohol Effects and Alcohol Misuse in Young Adults

Multi-Method Investigation of Social Facilitation of Alcohol Effects and Alcohol Misuse in Young Adults

The purpose of this study is to understand social contexts and alcohol use. We hope to learn how being around peers affects alcohol consumption in young adults. About 200 young adults who drink alcohol frequently will take part in the study. This research is being funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

Participation involves one in-person screening session with a same-sex platonic friend. Then participants will complete four in-person laboratory sessions where they will drink beverages containing alcohol or no alcohol. After completion of the laboratory sessions, participants will complete smartphone surveys for 28 days. Lastly, they will complete follow-up surveys 6 months and 12 months post-study enrollment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 21-28 years of age
• Drink regularly (1+ times/week) with a same-sex platonic friend that also meets eligibility and is willing to participate
• Regular alcohol use (3+ times/week) with at least one binge drinking episode (5+ drinks [male] or 4+ drinks [female] in about 2 hours) in the past month
• BMI of 18-30
• Own a smart device operating on the iOS or Android operating system
• Fluent in English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding or intent to get pregnant in the next 60 days (females)
• medical conditions counter-indicated for alcohol administration
• seeking treatment for alcohol use