OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a text message (SMS) program as a booster to an in-person alcohol intervention with mandated college students. PARTICIPANTS: Undergraduates (n = 224; 46% female) who violated an on-campus alcohol policy over a 2 semester period in 2014.
METHODS: The SMS program sent drinking-related queries each Thursday and Sunday and provided tailored feedback for 6 weeks. We examined response rates to SMS drinking-related queries and the associations between weekend drinking plans, drinking-limit goal commitment and alcohol consumption. Gender differences were explored.
RESULTS: 90% of SMS queries were completed. Weekend binge drinking decreased over 6 weeks, and drinking-limit goal commitment was associated with less alcohol consumption. Compared with women, men had greater reductions in alcohol consumption when they committed to a drinking-limit goal.
CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary evidence suggests that an SMS program could be useful as a booster for helping mandated students reduce weekend binge drinking.