Research with college students suggests that binge and heavy drinking occur because young adults ______.

A) are reacting in defiance of previous parental control
B) are more driven to engage in risk-taking behavior
C) have anxiety related to academic pressure in college
D) have increased risk from the transition out of high school

Research has shown that the transition from high school to college is marked by increased risk of heavy and binge drinking. Students may also experience academic, social, and emotional stressors during this period, leading to increased drinking as a coping mechanism. Defiance, risk-taking behavior, and academic pressure may also contribute to heavy and binge drinking, but evidence suggests that the transition out of high school is the primary factor.