Risky sex and drinking contexts in freshman first offenders

Two hundred and seventy-six sexually active college freshmen were surveyed as part of an adjudication process for having violated university substance abuse guidelines. This study examined the relationship between drinking contexts and risky sex while controlling for problem drinking. Results demonstrated that drinking excessively in intimate situations was significantly associated with greater expectancies of alcohol's sex-enhancing effects and with risky sexual behaviors (RSB). In addition, risky sex expectancies (RSE) and behaviors were higher among males who drank excessively to cope with negative emotions. Implications for early intervention are noted.