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Patterns of Use and Motivations for Consuming Alcohol Mixed With Energy Drinks
Citation
Peacock, AK and Bruno, R and Martin, FH, Patterns of Use and Motivations for Consuming Alcohol Mixed With Energy Drinks, Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 27, (1) pp. 202-206. ISSN 0893-164X (2012) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
Copyright 2012 American Psychological Association
DOI: doi:10.1037/a0029985
Abstract
Use of alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) is an increasingly prevalent trend. However, recent
research has suggested that AmED use may result in increased alcohol consumption and engagement in
risk behavior postingestion. Although the majority of research has been focused on AmED use outcomes,
there is a current paucity of data on the patterns of AmED use and motives for consumption. Four
hundred and three participants from an Australian community sample (n 244 women) ages 18–35 who
had consumed alcohol mixed simultaneously with energy drinks (ED) in the preceding 6 months
completed an online survey regarding use of EDs, alcohol, and AmED. Although AmED sessions
occurred relatively infrequently compared to alcohol sessions, the alcohol and ED quantity consumed in
AmED sessions was significantly greater than recommended intake. Reports of AmED use context
indicated that participants typically consumed AmED while engaging in heavy drinking in public venues.
However, the primary motives for AmED use related to the situational context of use, functional and
hedonistic outcomes, as well as the pleasurable taste; few participants reported using AmED to increase
alcohol intake, to mask intoxication, to hide alcohol’s flavor, or to simulate an illicit drug "high." AmED
users may be coingesting in a context and at a quantity that enhances the possibility of risky alcohol
outcomes, despite predominantly consuming AmED for the taste and the functional and hedonistic
outcomes. Strong endorsement of motives relating to ease of access and low cost price suggests that
alcohol policy reform in relation to licensing restrictions may be necessary to minimize the risk of harm.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
---|---|
Keywords: | alcohol, energy drink |
Research Division: | Psychology |
Research Group: | Biological psychology |
Research Field: | Behavioural neuroscience |
Objective Division: | Health |
Objective Group: | Public health (excl. specific population health) |
Objective Field: | Public health (excl. specific population health) not elsewhere classified |
UTAS Author: | Peacock, AK (Miss Amy Peacock) |
UTAS Author: | Bruno, R (Associate Professor Raimondo Bruno) |
ID Code: | 81166 |
Year Published: | 2012 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 47 |
Deposited By: | Psychology |
Deposited On: | 2012-11-25 |
Last Modified: | 2017-11-07 |
Downloads: | 53 View Download Statistics |
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