Alcohol mixed energy drink usage and risk-taking among college students in Western New York State

Alcohol mixed energy drinks (AmED) may promote excessive alcohol intake and risk-taking among college students.Objective:To understand the relationship between AmED use and risky behavior as well as attitudes and motivations for AmED use.Participants:Undergraduate college students N = 422 (Study 1), N = 37 (Study 2).Methods:Using a mixed-methods approach, we first surveyed undergraduate students about their AmED and alcohol consumption and a series of risk behaviors, self-efficacy, and beliefs (Study 1). We then conducted focus groups within the same population to better understand attitudes, knowledge, and motivations for using AmED (Study 2).Results:Recent AmED use was significantly associated with an increased number of reported binge drinking occasions and self-reported driving while intoxicated events. Our qualitative data analyses revealed two major themes associated with AmED consumption: factors encouraging AmED use and decisions about driving while under the influence of alcohol.Conclusions:These findings add to the literature of beliefs and motivations for AmED use among college students.