Binge drinking: Prevalence, correlates, and expectancies of alcohol use among individuals with first‐episode psychosis

AIM: This study examines the prevalence and correlates of binge drinking and its association with expectancies of alcohol use, within a sample of patients with first‐episode psychosis enrolled in the Early Psychosis Intervention Programme (EPIP) in Singapore's Institute of Mental Health. METHODS: A total of 280 patients from the EPIP were recruited for an on‐going longitudinal study examining cigarette smoking and alcohol habits. Only baseline data were used, pertaining to socio‐demographics, alcohol use, clinical symptomology, quality of life, and expectancies of alcohol use. RESULTS: Overall 23.9% (N = 67) reported ever binge drinking in their lifetime, and 11.4% (N = 32) had binged in the past 2 weeks. Controlling for all other socio‐demographic and clinical factors, binge drinking was significantly associated with higher education levels, having children, current or past history of cigarette smoking, and lower negative symptom scores. Binge drinkers were also more likely to endorse statements relating to the themes of enhancement seeking (ie, using alcohol to alter or enhance experiences in a pleasurable way), coping with distress, and socializing‐related expectancies of alcohol use. CONCLUSION: Similar to past studies, the prevalence of binge drinking among our first‐episode sample was relatively high. Our findings suggest certain lifestyle and social factors associated with risky drinking behaviour that future prevention efforts may address. Additionally, the three motivations of enhancement seeking, coping, and socializing also suggest psychological processes and coping styles that could be targeted for interventions.