Expression of Concern: Tattoos, Piercings, and Alcohol Consumption

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have found a link between body tattoos or piercings and risky behavior. However, these studies only examined survey data but not real behavior. METHODS: Young men (mean = 20.6 years) and women (mean = 20.2 years) leaving a bar were asked whether they wore tattoos and piercings or not and were requested to breathe into a breathalyzer in order to evaluate their alcohol consumption. RESULTS: It was found that participants with piercings and/or tattoos as well as combined piercings and tattoos revealed higher levels of alcohol consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Piercings and tattoos could serve as signs of alcohol consumption for educators, parents, and physicians.