Anxiety sensitivity and self-reported alcohol consumption rates in university women

Abstract

A growing literature suggests a significant relationship between “anxiety sensitivity” (AS; fear of anxiety symptoms) and alcohol use/abuse. The present study examined the relationship between levels of AS and self-reported rates of weekly alcohol consumption and frequency of “excessive drinking” (i.e., number of times legally intoxicated per year). Subjects were 30 nonalcoholic university women, divided into three AS groups (high, moderate, and low) based upon scores on the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI). High AS women reported consuming significantly more alcoholic beverages on a weekly basis and drinking to excess more times per year than low AS controls. ASI scores were found to be significantly positively correlated with both measures of self-reported alcohol consumption. The results support the hypothesis of a positive relationship between AS levels in young adult women and extent of excessive alcohol use.