NCJ Number
232002
Journal
Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education Volume: 54 Issue: 2 Dated: August 2010 Pages: 17-34
Date Published
August 2010
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study examined the frequency of disordered eating behaviors specifically restricting caloric intake on days when heavy alcohol consumption was expected.
Abstract
Using a sample of 692 freshmen at a southeastern university, this study examined caloric restriction among students prior to planned alcohol consumption. Participants were surveyed for self-reported alcohol consumption, binge drinking, and caloric intake habits prior to drinking episodes. Results indicated that 99 of 695 (14 percent) of first year students reported restricting calories prior to drinking, with 6 percent reporting this behavior to avoid weight gain and 10 percent to enhance alcohols effects; no significant differences were found between males and females. Based on the study findings, practical campus-based and student-centered education and prevention strategies are presented to explore solutions to reduce drunkorexia. Effective evidence-based behavior change brief interventions such as Motivational Interviewing and the Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) program are presented and discussed. Tables and references (Published Abstract)