Rc. Engs et Dj. Hanson, DRINKING GAMES AND PROBLEMS RELATED TO DRINKING AMONG MODERATE AND HEAVY DRINKERS, Psychological reports, 73(1), 1993, pp. 115-120
The playing of drinking games, the quantity-frequency of alcohol consu
mption, and various problems related to drinking were assessed among a
national sample of 3,830 alcohol consuming students from 58 American
colleges and universities during the 1990-1991 academic year. Among Li
ght-Moderate drinkers, a significantly higher proportion of students w
ho had played a drinking game experienced 15 of 17 drinking-related pr
oblems. On the other hand, among Heavy drinkers there was little diffe
rence between game and nongame players. A higher percentage of game pl
ayers had experienced five of the problems. Generally, for many proble
ms, more than twice as many Heavy drinkers among both game and nongame
players had exhibited the problem compared to more moderate drinkers.
It was concluded that game playing appeared to increase problems rela
ted to alcohol primarily among more moderate drinkers whereas those wh
o were heavy drinkers were exhibiting more problems regardless of thei
r game-playing status. Education about the effect of game playing amon
g students who are moderate drinkers should be addressed.