Benjamin Montemayor
Assistant Professor • School of Public HealthDr. Benjamin Montemayor is a health behavior social scientist with a background in alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATOD) research. His research focuses primarily on the prevention and intervention of substance use among young adults on college campuses and at-risk populations.
About Benjamin Montemayor
Dr. Benjamin Montemayor’s research spans assessments of substance-using behaviors including polysubstance use and its associated risk factors like cultural and social norms and motives and perceived risks. He has experience in leading both individual and group-focused ATOD intervention programs, including Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS), a harm-reduction program. Throughout his research, Montemayor has developed a strong interest in the ethical challenges of conducting research, especially with high-risk substance users, who present unique challenges.
In addition to examining behavioral risk factors and related health outcomes, Montemayor integrates theory and implementation science into his research to explore how interventions can be effectively tailored, adopted and sustained in real-world settings to reduce substance use. His research investigates three unique challenges: 1) characterizing the social-ecological determinants of substance use, misuse and substance use disorder (SUD); 2) shaping intervention efforts and legislative policies for individuals with SUD or behavioral health disorders; and 3) applying implementation science to ensure that interventions are evidence-based and scalable. He is experienced in all stages of ATOD programming, including developing and implementing individual and group interventions. His scholarly work has been published in journals such as the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, Prevention Science, Child Abuse and Neglect and the Journal of American College Health.
Academic Achievements
Education
- Ph.D., Education Sciences, University of Kentucky
- M.S., Health and Human Performance, Oklahoma State University
- B.A., Sports and Exercise Sciences, West Texas A&M University
Awards
- Texas A&M University – Accountability, Climate, Equity and Scholarship (ACES) Fellow
- RETI Fellow – Fordham University
- Texas A&M University LAUNCH Undergraduate Research Ambassador
Publications
For a closer look at Dr. Benjamin Montemayor’s research, browse his highlighted publications below.
2026 Unpacking adverse childhood experiences: Examining the role of ACEs domains in mental health and alcohol consumption in college students
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are linked to increased risk for mental health and substance use problems. College students, facing academic and social stressors, may be particularly vulnerable to ACEs exposure. Understanding these associations is essential for strategies that consider lived experiences.
2025 Balancing risk and benefit: how college students perceive alcohol use research participation
Alcohol use research among U.S. college students is common, spanning epidemiology to interventions for alcohol use disorder (AUD). The objective of this study was to examine undergraduates’ attitudes toward alcohol research participation, including perceived risks and benefits. A national sample of undergraduates (n = 1,211) was surveyed and classified as low-risk ( < 8) or high-risk (≥8) for an AUD using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Comparisons showed a higher proportion of high-risk students reported privacy, distress, and social concerns, while more low-risk students emphasized benefits like improved campus safety and programming. Both groups acknowledged personal benefits. Implications for participant-centered protocols are discussed.
2025 Alcohol help-seeking intentions among sexual minority college students
Binge drinking, alcohol misuse, and alcohol dependency is one area of concern for college student health.Citation1–3 This is especially true for sexual minority college students, or students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, and other non-heterosexual identities. Alcohol use, heavy episodic drinking, and binge drinking rates among sexual minority students exceed those of their heterosexual peers.Citation4–7 While research has primarily focused on either comparing alcohol misuse between heterosexual and sexual minority students or investigating the factors of sexual minority students misusing alcohol, less research has focused on the risk and protective factors of them utilizing services to address alcohol misuse.
Benjamin Montemayor In The News
Study links childhood trauma and simultaneous substance use to higher rates of depression in college students
June 2, 2026 • 4 min. readResearch findings suggest the need for integrated strategies in college health programs.
Uncertainty Remains, But More Turn To Cannabis For Chronic Health Issues
Aug. 1, 2025 • 4 min. readTexas A&M–led research links pain, stress and multiple health diagnoses to increasing cannabis use, raising concerns about health risks.
Support Networks May Be The Missing Link For College Students Who Seek Help For Excessive Drinking
July 2, 2025 • 3 min. readA Texas A&M University School of Public Health study combines two major approaches to shed new light on help-seeking behaviors.
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The Lingering Effects Of Childhood Trauma
Subject Matter Expert: Dr. Benjamin MontemayorSuffering trauma as a child often leads to substance abuse later in life, and a study at Texas A&M University found that childhood trauma, such as abuse, neglect or household instability, and using multiple substances at the same time — particularly cannabis and stimulants — are strongly linked to experiencing depressive symptoms among college students.
Download Raw B-roll and high-res clipsWhat It Means To Be Sober Curious
Subject Matter Expert: Dr. Benjamin MontemayorFor a number of reasons, many people are reconsidering their relationship with alcohol. In this video, Dr. Benjamin Montemayor, an assistant professor in the Texas A&M University School of Public Health, explains what it means to be sober curious and how social media and constant online access may be shaping a new attitude toward drinking.
Download Raw B-roll and high-res clips‘Celebratory Drinking’ Risks
Subject Matter Expert: Dr. Benjamin MontemayorSpring break is here and students at colleges and universities are preparing to head to cities on the coast for a week of sun and fun. But for many, spring break also means binge drinking. In this video, Benjamin Montemayor, assistant professor in health behavior in the School of Public Health at Texas A&M University, looks at how this “celebratory drinking” differs from normal consumption and the dangers that come with it.
Download Raw B-roll and high-res clipsWhippet Use Trending In Colleges – What Is It?
Subject Matter Expert: Dr. Benjamin MontemayorMontemayor says that while inhalant use had been on a downward trajectory, it is spiking now, partly because of social media. While trends formerly were localized, technology makes things more accessible and can provide information not only on how to use a drug but also on how to obtain it. He also points out that fear of missing out, or FOMO, plays a large role in usage.
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