Alexithymia, Affect Regulation, and Binge Drinking in College Students

Abstract

Numerous programs have been instituted to address the widely recognized problem of binge drinking in college students, with some excellent results. Yet binge drinking is commonly still viewed as a socially acceptable form of relaxing and bonding with peers, often with the stated goal of getting as drunk as possible as quickly as possible. The apparent disconnect between students' intelligence, verbal acuity and often impressive self-knowledge and their continued participation in this potentially self-destructive behavior can puzzle and frustrate clinicians. Although a number of studies have suggested that alexithymia is a contributing factor in binge drinking, little has been written about integrating this information in therapeutic interventions. This article explains and provides an extended clinical illustration of how understanding the problem of alexithymia can enhance interventions designed to address binge drinking in college students.To all outward appearances, Andrea 1 seemed to be a happy, well-adjusted and successful college student. A 19-year-old sophomore at a high-ranking university, she had made a nearly perfect score on her SATs and entered college with an advanced placement based on her high school grades and achievements. Attractive, bubbly, and socially active, she did well in her studies and was involved in several academic and community organizations. She came from an intact family and described mostly positive relationships with her parents and siblings, though there was some family conflict. It was

Deter the emotions: Alexithymia, impulsivity and their relationship to binge drinking

“…As many young people perceive BD as an acceptable way to bond with peers, they often intend to get intoxicated as quickly as possible ( Barth, 2015 ). This dangerous style of alcohol consumption in students is a major concern as it has been associated with many harmful consequences including blackouts ( Burns et al, 2016 ) or risky behaviours such as drink driving and unprotected or unplanned sexual behaviours ( Martinez et al, 2014 , Townshend et al, 2014 ).…”