Financial motives and alcohol-related compensatory behaviours across adulthood: A cross-sectional study of UK drinkers

Objectives

Food and alcohol disturbance (FAD) refers to behaviours in which individuals modify food intake around drinking episodes, often to offset the caloric content of alcohol or enhance intoxication. These behaviours have been widely studied in student populations, but less is known about their prevalence and correlates in broader adult samples. This study examined alcohol-related compensatory behaviours and their associations with demographic, psychological and contextual factors, including financial motives for drinking, in UK adult drinkers.

Method

A cross-sectional survey examined associations between demographic, psychological and contextual factors, including financial motives, and engagement in alcohol-related compensatory behaviours in adults (n = 117, aged 18–76 years) who reported alcohol use. FAD was measured using the Compensatory Eating and Behaviour in Response to Alcohol Consumption Scale (CEBRACS), alongside measures of alcohol consumption. Data were analysed using frequentist and Bayesian regression analyses.

Results

Engagement in at least one alcohol-related compensatory behaviour was common, with 64% of participants endorsing at least one behaviour. Total CEBRACS scores were negatively associated with age, indicating higher engagement among younger participants (f2 = 0.20). Body mass index was not associated with compensatory behaviours. Financial drinking motives showed the strongest and most consistent association with CEBRACS scores (β = 0.48, p < .001) and remained significant in fully adjusted models, whereas psychological variables showed limited associations.

Conclusions

Alcohol-related compensatory behaviours were reported across adulthood and appear to be shaped by financial motives for drinking. These findings highlight the role of economic context in alcohol-related decision making and support extending research beyond student populations.