title: Examining the relationship between alcohol-energy drink risk profiles and high-risk drinking behaviors.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The mixing of alcohol and energy drinks (AMEDs) is a trend among college students associated with higher rates of heavy episodic drinking and negative alcohol-related consequences. The goals of this study were to take a person-centered approach to identify distinct risk profiles of college students based on AMED-specific constructs (expectancies, attitudes, and norms) and examine longitudinal associations between AMED use, drinking, and consequences.
  
  
  METHODS
  A random sample of incoming freshmen (n = 387, 59% female) completed measures of AMED use, AMED-specific expectancies, attitudes, and normative beliefs, and drinking quantity and alcohol-related consequences. Data were collected at 2 occasions: spring semester of freshmen year and fall semester of sophomore year.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Latent profile analysis identified 4 subgroups of individuals: occasional AMED, anti-AMED, pro-AMED, and strong peer influence. Individuals in the pro-AMED group reported the most AMED use, drinking, and consequences. There was a unique association between profile membership and AMED use, even after controlling for drinking.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings highlighted the importance of AMED-specific expectancies, attitudes, and norms. The unique association between AMED risk profiles and AMED use suggests AMED use is a distinct behavior that could be targeted by AMED-specific messages included in existing brief interventions for alcohol use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA. lvweld@psu.edu
authors.forename: Lindsey
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Varvil-Weld
authors.forename: Miesha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marzell
authors.forename: Rob
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Turrisi
authors.forename: Kimberly A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Mallett
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Cleveland
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology*; D000434:Alcoholic Beverages / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000008:administration & dosage; D061215:Energy Drinks / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012309:Risk-Taking; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D000431:Ethanol
keywords: Alcohol-Energy Drink Cocktails; Alcohol-Related Consequences; College Students; High-Risk Drinking