Category: Behavioral Research

Alcohol and Bad Behaviors (Does Drinking Alcohol Cause Bad Behaviors?)

alcohol and bad behaviors

Do alcohol and bad behaviors go together? Does drinking alcohol cause bad behaviors? Control over Behavior Intoxicated people have much greater control over their behavior than generally recognized. For example, in some societies people don’t believe that drunkeness causes disinhibition. So in those societies, it never leads to bad behavior. 1 Despite common lore, there’s no …

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Early Onset of Drinking: What Research Shows May Surprise You!

Early onset of drinking. That is, early age when people begin to drink. What are the results of early onset of drinking? Some say it leads to alcoholism (alcohol dependence) later in life. I. Caution from NIAAA The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) summarizes research on the subject. Specifically, on the eelationship …

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Effects of Alcohol Advertising (Very Surprising Facts!)

alcohol ads and underage drinking

What are the effects of alcohol advertising? Does alcohol advertising cause people to begin drinkng or to drink more? Could it cause alcohol abuse? These important questions need answers. And we need research evidence instead of opinions or gut feelings. So, alcohol advertising causes young people to begin drinking. It increases alcohol consumption. And that …

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Alcohol Drinking by Youth Continues to Drop in Western World

Chart: High school seniors who have ever consumed alcohol

The popular belief is that there is a drinking epidemic among young people. In reality, alcohol drinking by youth continues to drop. Research in more prosperous parts of the world shows “solid evidence” of less drinking by young people since 2005. In fact, surveys in the U.S. and some other countries demonstrate drops in drinking …

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“Keepin’ It REAL”: DARE’s Effectiveness (Facts Everyone Should Know)

The Drug Resistance Abuse Resistance (DARE) program is a very popular one. Teachers love it because police officers, not they, teach it. Administrators love it because it shows that they’re “doing something” about alcohol and drugs. Police love it because it beats boring patrols and night shifts. Students love it because it’s more interesting than …

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Geography of Alcohol and Drinking (Discover the Unexpected)

The geography of alcohol is a fascinating subject. The spatial arrangement of activities is important. It can provide important insights. It can point out the unexpected. And also guide public alcohol policy. I. Geography of Alcohol Related Traffic Crashes. Texas has the most alcohol-related traffic crashes in the U.S. Of course it has more drivers …

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Alcohol Monopoly Privatization and Expansion of Alcohol Availability (The Effects)

I. Beliefs about Alcohol Policy. Many groups and individuals oppose alcohol monopoly privatization. Of course, public employee unions adamantly fight against it for obvious reasons. In addition, many temperance-oriented groups also strongly oppose increasing the availability of alcohol. That includes limiting the Number of stores that can sell alcohol. Days and hours of alcohol sales. …

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Parents Giving Alcohol to Their Teens Helps Reduce Drinking Problems

The Issue. Young people get their alcohol from many sources. Rarely is it from stores. Most often it’s from their parents and other adults, friends, or siblings. Parents giving alcohol is very common. Many believe that parents giving alcohol to their own children reduces alcohol abuse. They think it’s important to teach moderation by being …

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Alcohol and Cognitive Control in Adolescence (You Will be Surprised)

Alcohol and cognitive control is an important subject. Adolescence is a major period for the development of cognitive control. And most young people begin experimenting with alcohol as they enter adolescence. Cognitive Control Cognitive control is the ability to to choose an appropriate behavior over one that you’ve decided is inappropriate. That is, one that …

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Alcohol Mixed with Energy Drinks (Does It Cause Problems? Is It Dangerous?)

I. The Question. Does drinking alcohol mixed with energy drinks cause more alcohol consumption? Do drinkers feel more intoxicated? Does it lead to more risk-taking behavior? These are important questions. And they’re hotly debated. The concerns have led to laws, regulations, and public policies. Many people and organizations suggest that caffeine in energy drinks can …

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