A Preliminary Investigation of Caffeinated Alcohol Use During Spring Break

ABSTRACT

Background: Caffeinated alcoholic beverages (e.g., Red Bull and vodka) are popular but associated with negative consequences. CABs may be particularly popular during Spring Break, a potentially risky social event. Objectives: We aimed to identify the prevalence of Spring Break caffeinated alcohol use, determine how caffeinated alcohol use Spring Break drinking habits differ from usual, and examine the association between Spring Break caffeinated alcohol use and alcohol-related problems. Methods: Data were collected from 95 college students during March of 2013 and 2014. Students completed questionnaires of their alcohol and caffeinated alcohol use before and during Spring Break and Spring Break alcohol-related problems. Results: Approximately 54% of students used caffeinated alcohol during Spring Break. Spring Break caffeinated alcohol use was associated with more alcohol-related problems, even after controlling for other alcohol consumed and Spring Break vacation status. Conclusions/Importance: Caffeinated alcoholic beverages are commonly consumed during Spring Break and their use uniquely predicted harms. Prevention efforts placed on caffeinated alcoholic beverage users may be helpful in reducing Spring Break-related harms.

KEYWORDS:

• Spring Break
• college students
• negative consequences
• alcohol use
• caffeinated alcohol

Additional information

Funding

The first author is supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) under a Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award [Grant number F31 AA023118].

Notes on contributors

Ashley N. Linden-Carmichael

Ashley N. Linden-Carmichael, M.S., is a doctoral candidate in the Applied Experimental Psychology program at Old Dominion University. Her primary research interests are in psychosocial risk factors associated with alcohol use and caffeinated alcohol use (e.g., Red Bull and vodka) among young adults. She is currently supported by a Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (F31) from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism that examines caffeinated alcohol use and other drinking behaviors using daily diary methodology.

Cathy Lau-Barraco

Cathy Lau-Barraco, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Old Dominion University. Her research focuses on psychosocial determinants and consequences of alcohol use and brief interventions with at-risk populations. She is currently the Principal Investigator of an Early Career (K01) Award from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism that is focused on evaluating a brief drinking intervention for nonstudent young adults.