Abstract for: Testing training programs to limit binge drinking

Background: Juveniles becoming overly intoxicated by drinking alcohol is a widespread problem with consequences ranging from hangovers to death. Previous research has shown that high school students do not know that the slow diffusion of alcohol from the stomach to the body can cause them to continue becoming more intoxicated even after they stop drinking. A natural next step is to explore training programs designed so juveniles will learn to avoid becoming drunker than intended. Will better understanding lead to immediate changes in drinking patterns? Or, will changes show up later as deeper understanding enables better interpretation of one’s bad experiences? Method: Two training programs, a training simulator and printed information, are tested on two groups of high school students and contrasted to a control group receiving neither treatment. Students were asked to report drinking experiences before, one month after, and two months after the training. Results: [Data will be collected until early May]. Focus will be on effects of training programs over time, and on the importance of background variables for drinking and learning. Conclusion: Main results, implications, generalizations, and further research.