Day-level negative outcomes of failed control over drinking.

Failed control (FC), an aspect of impaired control (difficulty adhering to predetermined drinking limits), has been recognized as a hallmark feature of addiction. Yet, the effects of FC on day-level outcomes are understudied. The present study tested different ways of measuring FC as a day-level correlate of heavier drinking, blackouts, and other negative alcohol consequences. Participants (n = 203 young adults reporting heavy drinking, 57% female, 74% White) were recruited between 2021 and 2023. Participants completed 28 days of ecological momentary assessment of drinking intentions, alcohol use, blackouts, and other alcohol-related consequences. Daily FC was operationalized as (a) unplanned drinking (i.e., drinking after earlier day denial of intentions to drink), (b) surpassing intended levels of intoxication reported early evening (predrinking), and (c) surpassing intended levels of intoxication reported at first drink. In multilevel models, unplanned (vs. planned) drinking days were related to fewer drinks and lower odds of blackouts. Getting more intoxicated than intended early evening was related to more drinks and higher odds of experiencing 1+ other negative consequences; getting more intoxicated than intended at the first drink was related to all three outcomes: more drinks and higher odds of blackouts/other consequences. Day-level risks of FC depend on how it is operationalized. In this sample, the heaviest and most problematic drinking appears to occur on planned, rather than unplanned, drinking days and when intended intoxication levels are exceeded. Efforts to reduce heavy drinking and negative outcomes may benefit from incorporating skills to facilitate adherence to predefined plans for desired intoxication levels. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).