A Proposal for a Taxonomy of Pre-Loading

Abstract

Background: Pre-loading of alcohol and other drugs has become a prevalent start to nights out in many countries. Studies into pre-loading have been using different operational definitions and descriptions, leading to confusion and debate in the research literature. Purpose/Objective: We wish to propose a full taxonomy so that research into preloading, of any substances, can be specific and standardized. Methods: We address this problem by analyzing (1) terminology used throughout the literature, (2) the evolving nature of this phenomenon, and (3) the operational components comprising this substance use practice. Additionally, we provide a context and rationale for how we view pre-loading in relation to the broader event-level session. Results: Our results propose a full operational definition and taxonomy of pre-loading to be used, and built upon, by researchers. We also provide a visual representation of pre-loading within an event-level session and provide a method to facilitate consistency across cultures. Conclusions: We propose that this system will lead to greater specificity and higher reliability in the interpretation of research results.

Keywords:

• Pre-loading
• pre-gaming
• illicit drugs
• alcohol
• classification.

Authors' contributions

Hughes and Devilly conceptualized the idea together. Hughes & Devilly wrote the paper together.

Conflicts of interest/competing interest

None. In particular, the authors have not received any funding during this research from local or state governments, political organizations, lobby groups, temperance societies or ‘health based registered charities’, or companies involved in the supply or sale of alcohol.

License to publish

Exclusive license to publish this article is given.

Role of funding source

This research was not funded. Devilly has received past funding from the National Drug Strategy Law Enforcement Funding Committee. Alcolizer Technology has provided consumables for testing and calibrated breathalyzers in past studies and Mark Monaghan and Rapiscan Systems have loaned an Itemizer 3 Ion Scanner and donated consumables and servicing.

Notes

1 Side-loading refers to the use of a substance/s that has been smuggled into a specified target-event and/ or whilst transitioning between licenced premises (O’Rourke et al., 2016).

2 Back-loading refers to the use of a substance/s after having transitioned out of a specified target-event (Forsyth, 2010).

3 This policy introduced several strategies that restricted the sale and service of alcohol towards the end of the night, ceased off-sale trading licenses at 10 p.m., and, later, introduced ID Scanning.

4 Polysubstance use refers to the consumption of more than one substance, simultaneously or at different times, over a session of substance use (Connor et al., 2014).

5 An energy drink is one that contains a high percentage of sugar, caffeine, and/ or another stimulant (e.g., ‘Red Bull’, ‘V’, or pre-workout exercise supplements), which have been designed to help consumers overcome fatigue by providing them with a sudden boost of energy. This definition does not extend to include soft drinks containing caffeine (e.g., cola).