Alcohol Protective Behavioral Strategy use and Negative Consequences Across Heavy Alcohol Users and Risky Drinkers

This study investigated differences in alcohol protective behavioral strategy (PBSA) use and negative consequences (ARNC) experienced among heavy alcohol users and non-heavy alcohol users, and risky and non-risky drinkers. Participants were from 12 universities in the United States (n = 2,163 college students, M_age = 19.47), predominantly identified as White (74%), and female (68.7%), who completed measures of typical weekly drinking, risky drinking, ARNC, and PBSA use. ANOVAs revealed that the heavy alcohol users and risky drinkers reported significantly fewer total PBSA, subtype strategy use, and greater negative consequences than their counterparts. Harm reduction interventions may benefit from identifying and targeting college students who are engaging in heavy alcohol use and risky drinking regardless of sex.