Malt Liquor Use: A Community College Study
Principal Investigator: Meng-Jinn Chen, Ph.D.

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It has been suggested that malt liquor has recently gained popularity among college students. In addition, given its cheap price, beer-like taste, and association with rap/hip-hop music, it is speculated that malt liquor may be favored by and becoming more and more appealing to underage drinkers. Moreover, because ethnic images and names are used to market malt liquor, health advocacy groups have expressed concern that the malt liquor industry is targeting minority youth. Unfortunately, despite the increasing concern, malt liquor has never been formally studied. Knowledge of malt liquor use, by youth in particular, is very limited. It is thus not known how prevalent its use is among young people and how that use is related to other drug use or alcohol-related problems. Given the high alcohol content, use of malt liquor implies quick intoxication.

As a result, young people who drink heavily and expect to get intoxicated quickly may use malt liquor. In addition, a strong relationship is found among substance abuse, depression, and behavioral misconduct. Young people who have behavioral and mental problems and also use drugs other than alcohol may also use malt liquor. Given the high prevalence rate of binge drinking among college students, it is important to learn whether malt liquor plays an important part in their binge drinking. Overall, this study investigates: (a) who uses malt liquor, (b) why it is used, (c) what the consequences are, and (d) how malt liquor use and consequences differ from and are associated with use of other alcohol and substances.


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