Characteristics of predrinking and associated risks: A survey in a sample of German high school students
Related Research units
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Finding predictors for predrinking and placing the new phenomenon of predrinking on a greater database. Predrinking is defined as alcohol consumption, alone or with friends, at home or at public places, before going out in the evening to a party or in bars or discotheques.
METHODS: Data were collected from a representative sample of 757 ninth- and tenth-grade students from 31 high schools located in a south German rural region and a city.
RESULTS: Predrinkers, especially those who show this behaviour frequently, were notably more likely to engage in hazardous drinking, and experienced significantly more frequent involvements in fights and alcohol-induced blackouts. They also stated more often that they had the intention of getting drunk when consuming alcohol.
CONCLUSIONS: Predrinking proves to be a high-risk behaviour, particularly when it occurs at a high frequency. This behaviour has to be seen as part of a new youth culture, which does not seem to be limited to a certain subgroup-with all of the associated risks.
Bibliographical data
Original language | English |
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ISSN | 1661-8556 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 01.04.2013 |
PubMed | 23007874 |
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