title: Compulsive alcohol use and other high-risk behaviors among college students.
abstract: The association between heavy alcohol consumption and risky behaviors has been amply investigated among college students. However, less is known with regard to types of drinking behaviors associated with high-risk activities. The present study extends this area of research by examining the relationship between compulsive drinking and hazardous behaviors in this population. Nine hundred and four college students completed measures on compulsive drinking and other risky behaviors in the context of mental health screenings at three campuses. Results showed that in males, compulsive drinking increased the risk for compulsive street drugs use, compulsive prescription drugs use, compulsive sexual activities, and gambling. Among females, compulsive drinking increased the risk for compulsive street drugs use, and compulsive sexual activities. These findings suggest that inquiring about compulsive drinking among college students may have great utility in identifying those at greater risk for other risky behaviors. The high co-occurrence of compulsive drinking, illicit substances, compulsive sexual activities, and gambling in college students suggests the need for comprehensive programs addressing high-risk behaviors together.
authors.affiliation: Depression and Clinical Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA. ppedrelli@partners.org
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pedrelli
authors.forename: Stella
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bitran
authors.forename: Irene
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Shyu
authors.forename: Lee
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Baer
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Guidi
authors.forename: Dorothy D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Tucker
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vitali
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fava
authors.forename: Sidney
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zisook
authors.forename: Amy H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Farabaugh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D003192:Compulsive Behavior / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012737:Sex Factors; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014495:Universities