Alcohol and college students: Reasons, realization and intention to quit

Alcoholism is a devastating social and economic problem in the United States, and young college students are perhaps most vulnerable to this problem. Using data from 892 students, this study empirically examines the determinants of intention to quit alcohol among college students. The results indicate that intention to quit drinking is positively associated with realization of excessive drinking, recall of alcohol ads, and escape as a reason for drinking, but negatively with fun as a reason for drinking. In turn, realization of excessive drinking is positively associated with recall of alcohol ads and deal-proneness, and escape, loneliness, and social, but not with fun, relaxation and taste as reasons for drinking. Discussion of these findings, their implications and limitations are provided in this study.