Testing a model of caffeinated alcohol-specific expectancies

Abstract

Introduction The present study sought to further understand the association between caffeinated alcoholic beverage (CAB) use and alcohol-related risks. In particular, we focused on the role of two identified expectancies specific to CAB use: intoxication enhancement and avoidance of negative consequences. Although outcome expectancies are consistent predictors of substance use, limited research has examined expectancies related to CAB use and their association with alcohol-related behaviors, such as protecting themselves from alcohol-related harms. Consequently, the present study examined CAB-specific expectancies and protective behavioral strategies (PBS) as mediators of CAB use and negative consequences. Methods Participants were 322 (219 women) college drinkers who completed self-report measures of typical CAB and alcohol use, CAB-specific expectancies, PBS use, and alcohol-related harms. Results Structural equation modeling revealed, after controlling for typical non-CAB heavy alcohol use, a significant indirect effect of CAB use to alcohol-related problems through avoidance of negative consequences CAB expectancies and PBS use. However, intoxication enhancement expectancies did not mediate this association. Conclusions Thus, our findings indicate that heavier CAB use was associated with stronger expectations that drinking CABs can help avoid negative consequences. These beliefs were related to using fewer PBS when drinking and a greater likelihood of experiencing problems. Given that these expectancies may be underlying mechanisms of CAB use, their inclusion in existing alcohol interventions may be beneficial.

A daily diary examination of caffeine mixed with alcohol among college students.

“…Given the level of caffeine content relative to soda (80 mg of caffeine in Red Bull relative to 34.5 mg of caffeine in Coca-Cola; Reissig et al, 2009), energy drink mixers may offset or “mask” the sedative effects of alcohol more so than soda mixers. Alternatively, users may have different expectancies or motivations for these beverages, such as perceptions that drinking alcohol and energy drinks can help avoid unintended sex and can help them drive more safely or feel more in control (MacKillop, Howland, Rohsenow, Few, Amlung, Metrik, & Calise, 2012), which may serve to underlie or strengthen the relationship between alcohol and energy drink use and harms (Linden-Carmichael, Lau-Barraco, & Stamates, 2015). …”

Alcohol‐Induced Impairment of Balance is Antagonized by Energy Drinks

“…Moreover, it remains unknown if drinkers are aware of this outcome and expect it. The currently available alcohol mixed with energy drink expectancies scales (Linden-Carmichael et al, 2015; MacKillop et al, 2012; Miller et al, 2017) could be revisited to determine if more questions related to gross motor control should be included on these measures.…”

Energy drink expectancies among college students

“…Further, following the examination of "avoidance of negative consequences" (Linden-Carmichael et al, 2015, p. 39) expectancy, it was found that students consumed energy drinks thinking it would keep them more alert (e.g., harm reduction); however, it turns out they were less likely to employ other protective strategies, consumed more CABs, and experienced more negative consequences. In the same study researchers found, somewhat unexpectedly, that intoxication enhancement expectancy (i.e., more intense euphoric feeling), was not found to be a significant mediator between CAB use and experiencing harm (Linden-Carmichael et al, 2015). In another study, the constructs behavioral intention and attitude from the Theory of Planned behavior were significant predictors of AmED use (Reddy, 2014).…”