Program Reviews

DontBottleItUp (DBIU)

Implementation research has been conducted for this program.

Program Overview

DontBottleItUp (DBIU) combines self-affirmation messages based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and implementation intentions on alcohol consumption to reduce binge drinking behavior in new university students. DBIU is intended to promote actionable strategies to reduce binge drinking in individuals who drink at a comparable rate to their peers. Three sets of digital messages are used as well as written plans to reinforce binge drinking reduction strategies. The messaged targeted beliefs about binge drinking at university: that it’s necessary for fun, that it hurts academic performance, and that peer pressure makes it hard to avoid. Each message was provided in writing and accompanied by a video of students explaining the content of the message in more personal detail. In addition, students develop “if-then” plans to avoid binge drinking, such as choosing a soft drink if at a bar. These personal plans aid in preparedness for situations where there might be pressure to drink.

Last Updated: 09/25/2025

Delivery
Web-based

Theoretical Approach
Theory of Planned Behavior

Target Substances
Alcohol

Target Outcomes
Reduction in the frequency of binge drinking

Age
Adolescent: 11 – 17 years
Young adult: 18 – 30 years

Gender
Male
Female
Non-Binary+

Race
White
Other

Setting
College/University

Geographic Location
The United Kingdom

Language
English

Index Study Publication Date
September 20, 2017

Evaluations

  • Norman P, Cameron D, Epton T, et al. British journal of health psychology. 2018;23(1):108-127. doi:10.1111/bjhp.12277

    Study Design: RCT
    Study Type: Efficacy/Effectiveness
    Sample Size: n = 2,951
    Demographics:
    Age
    Children: < 11 years: 0%
    Adolescent: 11 – 17 years: Mean age = 18.76, SD = 1.94
    Young adult: 18 – 30 years: Mean age = 18.76, SD = 1.94
    Adult: 30+ years: 0%
    Gender
    Male: 45.3%
    Female: 53.8%
    Transgender: not reported
    Non-Binary+: <1%
    Race
    American Indian or Alaska Native: not reported
    Asian: not reported
    Black or African American: not reported
    Multiracial: not reported
    Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: not reported
    White: 74.5%
    Other: not reported
    Ethnicity
    Hispanic: not reported

  • Norman P, Webb TL, Millings A. Psychol Health. Apr 2019;34(4):478-496. doi:10.1080/08870446.2018.1544369

    Study Design: RCT
    Study Type: Implementation
    Sample Size: n = 407
    Demographics:
    Age
    Children: < 11 years: 0%
    Adolescent: 11 – 17 years: Mean age = 19.09, SD = 3.37
    Young adult: 18 – 30 years: Mean age = 19.09, SD = 3.37
    Adult: 30+ years: 0%
    Gender
    Male: 34.9%
    Female: 64.4%
    Transgender: not reported
    Non-Binary+: <1%
    Race
    American Indian or Alaska Native: not reported
    Asian: not reported
    Black or African American: not reported
    Multiracial: not reported
    Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: not reported
    White: 80%
    Other: not reported
    Ethnicity
    Hispanic: not reported