More Frequent Solitary Alcohol Consumption Is Associated With Poorer Diet Quality, Worse Sleep, Higher Body Mass Index, and More Problematic Alcohol Use

Abstract

Abstract Background Solitary drinking is a risky drinking pattern associated with increased substance use and psychosocial problems. However, very little is known regarding the associations between drinking alone and broader health status and behaviors. Purpose Accordingly, this study examined the relationship between health metrics and solitary drinking among individuals who currently drink (N = 99, 46.46% female, 88.89% White). Methods U.S. participants between 21 and 40 years old were recruited. Measures included self-reported diet, physical activity, sleep, cannabis use, general and solitary alcohol use, and objective anthropomorphic measures (e.g., body mass index [BMI]) using data from both a baseline appointment and 30 days of daily diary responses. Adjusting for general alcohol use, age, and gender, associations at baseline were assessed through regression analyses, while daily data were analyzed via mixed effects models. Results Several health measures were associated with solitary drinking. Specifically, solitary drinking was related to consuming fewer servings of fruits and vegetables and greater quantities of alcohol based on daily data. Baseline data showed an association between solitary drinking and higher BMIs, poorer sleep quality, greater sugar consumption, and hazardous drinking. Conclusions These findings suggest that beyond substance and psychosocial problems associated with solitary drinking, this drinking behavior may be a warning sign for health risks and, subsequently, broader health problems.