Pregaming: A High-Risk Behavior

Pregaming: “Pregaming” or “pre-loading” is what college students call the practice of drinking alcohol in a private setting prior to attending an organized event or social activity where alcohol might or might not be served. According to one student, “Pregames are usually a fun part of the night because you’re just with a few close friends before you go out and meet up with a lot more people and can’t chat and laugh with your close friends as much.” But the downside to pregaming is that it can lead to higher levels of intoxication as students often continue drinking once they arrive at a party, putting them at risk for a host of alcohol-related problems, including alcohol-impaired driving, unwanted sex, or injury.

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