Of the 42% of college students who misuse alcohol, most will eventually decrease their drinking after graduation. Previous studies, however, suggest that some students cease drinking heavily while still in school. Though a large body of literature examines the causes and consequences of college drinking, little research considers why some students cease this behavior relatively early and what happens when they do. This paper will present results from the second, qualitative phase of a study on frequent heavy drinking. In the first phase, analyses of two random samples of undergraduates (n=842) identified students at three different stages of cessation: (1) current heavy drinkers with no intention of stopping; (2) those who intend to stop in the next six months; and (3) former heavy drinkers who have already stopped. For the present paper, the authors conducted six focus groups with males and females at each of these stages. This methodology provided preliminary insights into why students do or do not think about reducing their alcohol consumption while still in college. For those who had stopped, additional questions focused on factors that hinder or facilitate the cessation process as well as the personal and social changes that resulted from their decision to stop. Transcripts of the focus groups were analyzed using a focused-coding technique to describe the cessation process and how it may differ by gender. The results of this study can aid practitioners in tailoring prevention efforts to college students who are already predisposed to reducing their alcohol consumption.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Alcohol Use, College Students
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.