The impact of drinking games on college drinking behavior

Examination of behaviors associated with heavy alcohol consumption suggests that drinking games contribute to the consumption of large quantities of alcohol. This study utilized participant-observation and in-depth interviewing to explore the role of drinking games in socializing and their impact on the amount of alcohol consumed. Twenty males and 20 females, 21 to 25 years of age were interviewed on their drinking behavior. In addition, drinking game practices were observed at 21 off-campus parties. The central purpose of this study was to generate new data to contribute to a theory of drinking game behavior. Results of this study showed that male and female gameplayers consumed significantly more alcohol than nongameplayers. When participating in drinking games, females consumed more alcohol than males, reported spending more time playing drinking games, and reported more negative consequences. This study suggests that the motivations that first entice people to participate in drinking games may be different than the motives that keep them playing. A person may initially begin to participate in drinking games as a way to fit in and meet perceived social expectations. Once a person feels they have met their social expectations the need to continue to play drinking games diminishes. After a person\u27s comfort level increases they may keep playing to continue feeling comfortable or they may want to advance their position in the social group to a position of power and control. If on the other hand, they do not establish meaningful relationships and their comfort level does not improve or they do not achieve control over others, their continued attempts will possibly lead to intoxication. Even if negative outcomes occur as a result of intoxication, the person can blame their failure to achieve on the fact that they were drunk and therefore claim not to be fully responsible for their actions. Thus, participation in drinking games becomes a no loss situation. So powerful and effective is this phenomenon that drinking games become the only entertainment at most parties