Behavioral self-control strategies for deliberately limiting drinking among college students.

This study examined the use of behavioral self-control strategies, across specific procedures and sex, and the relationship between self-control and alcohol consumption and problem variables. A total of 456 randomly selected college students participated in a survey of campus substance use. Behavioral strategies most commonly used to deliberately limit drinking among college students were those related to limiting driving/riding when drinking, controlling time and food stimuli, and awareness of internal and external cues to control drinking. Strategies related to self-reinforcement and punishment, certain alternatives to alcohol use, and specific rate control techniques were least used by drinkers. Females were more likely than males to use all but one of the behavioral strategies. The degree of self-control practiced was associated with alcohol consumption, driving/riding after drinking, improvement in limiting drinking, health beliefs related to alcohol problems, and perceived effectiveness of behavioral strategies to limit drinking. Specific self-control strategies were found to significantly predict alcohol-related variables, with confining drinking to certain times of the week and refusing unwanted drinks the most consistent predictors.