ArticlePsychology of addictive behaviors : journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors2026
Pregaming promotes risky drinking patterns and alcohol-induced blackouts: A day-level study among young adults who report high-intensity drinking.
Article in Psychology of addictive behaviors : journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
objectiveThis study examined day-level effects of pregaming on same-day drinking outcomes among young adults who report high-intensity drinking (8+/10+ drinks for females/males). We hypothesized that pregaming days would be associated with heavier drinking and greater odds of alcohol-induced memory loss and other consequences. Effects of pregaming on drinks consumed outside of the pregaming context, total drinking duration, and pace within a drinking episode were explored. Additionally, differences by student status (currently in 4-year college or not) were tested.
methodBetween 2021 and 2023, participants (
resultsPregaming was significantly associated with more total drinks, greater odds of high-intensity and heavy episodic (4+/5+ drinks for females/males; vs. moderate [fewer than 4/5 drinks for females/males]) drinking, higher estimated blood alcohol concentration, greater odds of both en bloc and fragmentary blackouts (vs. no memory loss), and greater odds of any other negative consequence. These effects were not moderated by student status. Pregaming was more strongly associated with faster paced drinking among those in 4-year college than those not, and pregaming was only associated with fewer drinks consumed outside of the pregaming context among those in 4-year college. Conversely, pregaming was more strongly associated with longer drinking duration among those not in 4-year college.
conclusionsPregaming presents a distinct high-risk drinking behavior. To reduce alcohol-related harm, targeted prevention efforts (including those addressing the timing and context of drinking episodes) are needed for both students and those not in 4-year college. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).
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