Preloading, exit intoxication related to energy drink usage, and gender differences within night-time entertainment districts for young people

Examining the use of drug screening technologies in night-time entertainment districts

Background

We sought to determine whether various ion scanner devices could provide a practical alternative in field-based research, where affordable and accessible drug screening is needed for comprehensive and ongoing investigation.

Methods

In Study 1, off-site sample analysis proved inconclusive, rendering Protocols A and B impractical for ongoing drug screening. Conversely, Study 2’s on-site, real-time analysis (Protocol C) emerged as a more effective method. The Itemizer3, particularly in Protocol C, excelled in discerning drug users. Comparing admitted drug use rates in both studies, the mere presence of an objective measure, confirmational or not, likely facilitated more truthful participant responses, highlighting the efficacy of real-time, on-site drug screening using IMS/ITMS technologies.

Findings

All samples analyzed off-site in Study 1 were found to be inconclusive. As such, Protocols A and B were not feasible for on-going drug screening and monitoring. Conversely, the results of Study 2 Protocol C demonstrated that harvesting samples directly off participants on-site and analyzing these in-real time to be a more efficacious method. Our findings in Protocol C also show that the Itemizer3 was better at identifying those who did not use drugs from those who did. Looking at the incidence rates of admitted drug use in Studies 1 and 2, we find that simply having an objective measure present (irrespective of whether it is confirmational or not) likely resulted in us obtaining more truthful responses from participants about their use of drugs.

Conclusions

Our results underscore IMS/ITMS practicality for on-site NED drug screening.

Unmasking Distorted Reflections: Exploring Body Image, Alcohol, and Drug Use in Nighttime Entertainment Districts

Background: Violence within nighttime entertainment districts (NEDs) has been blamed on problematic masculinity and has predominantly been attributed to excessive alcohol intake and steroid use in men. In this report we conducted two studies to: (1) ascertain whether researchers could act as third-party raters of body weight and muscle mass in NED patrons; and (2) to examine the relationship between body self-image, inebriation, alcohol preloading behaviors and drug use in the NEDs. Methods: Study 1 employed an observational approach to establish inter-rater reliability for ratings of muscle mass and weight. In Study 2 data (n = 2,745) were collected through breathalyzing and questionnaires to examine individuals' self-image and drinking and drug-taking behaviors. Results: Participants' self-ratings of muscle and weight significantly differed from researchers' ratings, with males perceiving themselves as less muscular and females perceiving themselves as heavier. Perceived weight and muscle size did not relate to alcohol levels, but an interaction was found for female steroid users who perceived themselves as less muscular. Conclusions: Findings indicated a distortion in participants' perceived body image, with a desire for muscularity among both males and females. These results underscore the complex interplay between self-perception, societal ideals, and drug use in young NED patrons.

Prologue to the special issue on predrinking and drinking game behaviors among adolescents and young adults in the United States and across the globe: Definitions and overview of prevalence rates

Predrinking and drinking games (DGs) are common risky drinking practices among adolescents and young adults in many different countries around the world. However, most studies on these behaviors have been conducted with university student samples in a limited number of countries. Despite the risks of negative alcohol-related consequences associated with predrinking and DGs, these activities are quite prevalent among young people. In this prologue, we provide definitions for predrinking and DGs and an extensive overview of the known prevalence rates of predrinking and DGs among young people around the world. This special issue addresses known gaps in the literature by including articles which (a) use differing methodologies to examine predrinking or DGs behavior, (b) consider psychosocial and contextual factors that influence these behaviors, and (c) examine young people's perceptions of alcohol policies and interventions. Taken together this Special Issue offers an international view on how and why young people around the world engage in these risky drinking practices, and potential ways to address these behaviors.