Consumo excesivo episódico de alcohol: cambio natural en estudiantes universitarios

Abstract Binge drinking can be quit without formal help; however, there is not enough information on this fact, especially in young people who adopt this kind of consumption. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of natural change regarding binge drinking and explore its relationship with alcohol related problems and other individual characteristics in university students. In a random sample of 828 students, we assessed past or current binge drinking, alcohol related problems, use of other psychoactive substances, gender and marital status. The prevalence of natural change reached 7%. Quiting binge drinking implied a smaller probability of psychic problems, alcohol induced blackouts, injuries and consumption of other substances as well as a greater probability of finding a partner. The role of the severity of the consequences in the natural change in consumption, possible protection factors and potential interventions are discussed.