Young-adult alcohol misuse is a public health problem causing thousands of assaults, injuries, and deaths each year. Both college and non-college adults frequently report high drink counts (e.g.,10+ drinks) and many alcohol-related consequences. Approximately 13% meet criteria for past-year alcohol use disorder (AUD) and problems associated with AUDs frequently continue into midlife. Although measurement of drinking is necessary for assessing these risks, concerns have been raised about exclusive reliance on self-reported drink counts, especially on heavier drinking nights.

This research project is the first multi-modal, large-scale study to establish to what extent alcohol intake assessed by wearable alcohol wrist sensors can predict acute risk associated with single drinking events and the development of alcohol use disorders.

The study will focus on heavy drinking young adults 19-20 years old and will consist of:

• three survey assessments (baseline, 12-month, 24-month),
• four intensive sensor and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) 21-day bursts every six months, and
• clinical assessments of alcohol use disorder at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months.

The study will span two years, focusing on measuring participant behavior before and after they turn 21 years old.