EXAMININATION OF THE LONGITUDINAL ASSOCATION BETWEEN ALCOHOL-INDUCED BLACKOUTS AND AUDIT SCORES AND THE MODERATING EFFECTS OF IMPULSIVITY AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS

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2024-03-21

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0000-0001-6572-4649 (Cross, Allison)

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Purpose: Adolescent and young adult alcohol consumption and related consequences present persistent public health concern and research highlights the role that alcohol-induced blackouts (AIB) may have on the development of alcohol use disorders. Moreover, impulsivity, specifically premeditation and urgency, are noted to have significant associations with drinking. However, less is known about these associations over time among adolescents and young adults. Therefore, this study examined longitudinal associations between AIB and hazardous alcohol use risk (AUDIT scores) in adolescents and young adults, while exploring the moderating effects of premeditation and urgency. Methods: Participants were recruited for a longitudinal ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study examining cognitions and alcohol use. Data were collected at baseline and 12-month follow-up from participants who reported past month alcohol use. The analytic sample consisted of 556 participants (58.6% females; 70.8% White Non-Hispanic, ages 15-25 [mean = 21.5, SD = 2.5]). Data were analyzed using generalized linear models (GLM). Results: Results revealed a significant association between baseline AIB and AUDIT scores at 12-month follow-up such that a one-unit increase in AIB scores was associated with a 12% increase in residual change of AUDIT scores (RR = 1.12, p = .001). Premeditation was inversely associated with AUDIT scores, such that on average, a one-unit increase corresponded to an 8% relative reduction in AUDIT scores (RR = 0.92, p = .032). Finally, urgency was not significantly associated with AUDIT scores (RR = 1.07, p = .053). Premeditation, but not urgency, significantly moderated the effect of AIB on change in AUDIT scores such that for those with relatively higher premeditation scores, a one-unit increase in AIB corresponds to a 22% increase in AUDIT scores (RR = 1.13, p= .009). Conclusion: Findings suggest a significant association between AIB and AUDIT scores one year later, controlling for baseline AUDIT scores. Furthermore, the moderating effect of premeditation suggests that those with higher premeditation who are still engaging in AIB may be doing so with intentions to engage in high-risk drinking. Targeting prevention programs, towards adolescents and young adults with a history of AIB, especially those who with elevated premeditation, may be effective in mitigating the risk of alcohol use disorder development.

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