Hope for the best, prepare for the worst: examining the preloading motivations associated with alcohol use and past harms during a night-out

We investigated the relationship between preloading motivations, alcohol consumption, intoxication, and alcohol related harms (ARHs), sampled in a night-time entertainment district (NED). The sample comprised 2,159 (1,109 males; 1,050 females) patrons entering Brisbane NEDs (Queensland, Australia) on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights between 9:00 pm and 1:00 am. We measured the patrons primary preloading motivations, their estimations of standard drinks consumed at preloading, their level of alcohol intoxication by breathalyser and their past experience of ARHs in the NED. 'Socialising' (29.98%) and 'saving money' (25.17%) were the most prominent preloading motivations followed by 'multiple' motivations (12.52%), and then by emotional motivations (2.46-4.02%). Minor significant differences were observed between preloading motivations in alcohol intoxication, but not for alcohol consumption. 'Get as drunk as possible' and 'feel comfortable/relaxed' preloading motivations were associated with higher occurrences of past ARHs. Individuals who preload often exceed recommended drinking guidelines to prevent ARHs before the night-out begins. Our findings suggest that it is the emotionally motivated alcohol consumers who are more likely to have experienced past harms in the NED. Implications for theoretical developments of preloading and the prevention of harmful preloading are discussed.