Research & Resources

In this study, researchers sought to estimate the use of home alcohol delivery and other methods of obtaining alcohol, rates of ID checking for home alcohol delivery purchases, and associations with alcohol-related consequences. The study used surveillance data from 784 lifetime drinkers participating in the 2022 Rhode Island Young Adult Survey, a behavioral survey administered to adults ages 18–25 years. About 7.4% of the sample purchased alcohol through a home delivery or to-go purchase; 12.1% of participants who obtained alcohol this way never had their ID checked during the purchase attempt, and 10.2% of these purchases were completed by participants under the legal purchase age. Home delivery/to-go purchases were associated with high-risk drinking. Alcohol theft was associated with high-risk drinking, negative alcohol consequences, and drinking and driving. Findings showed that while home alcohol delivery and to-go purchases may provide an opportunity for underage access to alcohol—and make the case for stronger ID checking policies—their current use as a method of obtaining alcohol is rare. Findings suggest that home-based preventive interventions against alcohol theft should be considered.

This paper, “Impact of alcohol home delivery and other methods of obtaining alcohol in young adults,” was funded by SAMHSA and published in the journal Alcohol and alcoholism.