Problematic Alcohol Use Research Articles

CROSS-CULTURAL VALIDITY OF THE CONSIDERATION OF FUTURE CONSEQUENCES SCALE (CFCS-14): A STUDY ON TURKISH UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

The subjective perception of time, known as time orientation, plays a role in shaping a wide range of health-related behaviors. A popular measure of time orientation is the Consideration of Future Consequences Scale (CFCS-14), which has two dimensions: immediate and future. Although widely used in individualistic societies, the usage of this scale, particularly in collectivist cultures, is limited, creating a gap in understanding the cross-cultural implications of temporal orientation on health behaviors. We translated the CFCS-14 into Turkish and examined its psychometric properties and practical utility within the context of health behaviors. A total of 589 undergraduates completed a survey, consisting of the Turkish version of CFCS-14 and measures of time perspective, sensation-seeking, autonomous-related self, subjective well-being, positive and negative affect, problematic alcohol use, and smoking. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses provided evidence for the existence of two correlated factors. CFC factor scores showed robust links with problematic alcohol use, daily cigarette consumption, sensation-seeking, and autonomous-relatedness. However, correlations with subjective well-being and affect were weaker and statistically non-significant. These findings underscore the cross-cultural applicability of CFCS-14's structure, validity, and reliability. This research contributes to the broader understanding of time orientation theories and their practical implications in diverse cultural settings.

Grazing Is Associated with ADHD Symptoms, Substance Use, and Impulsivity in a Representative Sample of a Large Metropolitan Area in Brazil.

Grazing is a clinically relevant eating behaviour, especially when it presents with a sense of loss of control (compulsive grazing). There is evidence that other disordered eating patterns are associated with problematic substance use and impulsivity-related conditions, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This overlap contributes to higher psychopathology and treatment complications. Less is known about grazing, and most information originates in high-income countries. Hence, we sought to investigate relationships between grazing, tobacco and alcohol use, ADHD, and impulsivity in a large representative sample from Brazil. Data were collected by trained interviewers from adults (N = 2297) through an in-person household survey based on a stratified and clustered probability sample. We found significant associations between compulsive grazing and problematic alcohol use (OR = 3.02, 95% CI: 1.65, 5.53), ADHD (OR = 8.94, 95% CI: 5.11, 15.63), and smoking (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.47), with impulsivity contributing to the first two relationships. The substantial association with ADHD suggests that other executive functions may promote disordered eating, possibly expressed through difficulties in adhering to regular meals. Clinically, these findings highlight the importance of assessing problematic eating patterns, such as compulsive grazing, in those presenting with difficulties with substance use or impulsivity, and vice versa.

Preferences of young adults on the development of a new digital add-on alcohol intervention for depression treatment: A qualitative study

AimTo explore the preferences of young adults with regard to the development of a new digital add-on alcohol intervention to complement depression treatment. MethodsThis qualitative study included young adults (18–35 years) with experience of either problematic alcohol use or depression or both (n = 29). Two rounds of focus groups were conducted, with two focus groups in each round. All focus groups were recorded, transcribed and analysed deductively and inductively on the basis of qualitative content analysis of the intervention type, features and design. ResultsYoung adults preferred a mobile health application with a clear and simple objective and navigation which was also accessible on a computer. With regard to intervention features, participants indicated a preference for in-depth, gain-framed information on alcohol use and a main feature enabling them to record their alcohol use and mood, which would be rewarded. Other preferences included personal goal-setting and monitoring, an activity list, experience stories, peer contact, guidance from experts by experience or volunteers and receiving notifications from the application. In terms of design, participants preferred short, animated videos and animation figure illustrations to complement written text. Moreover, participants rated the design of the intervention as highly important, yet very personal. Generally, participants preferred a light pastel colour scheme. Once again, participants indicated a need for a clear dashboard using pictograms to reduce the amount of text and fast, easy-to-use navigation. ConclusionThe preferences indicated by young adults with regard to the intervention type, features and design may enhance the development of a new digital add-on alcohol intervention to complement depression treatment.

Disintegration predicts problem alcohol and drug use, quality of life, and experience in close relationships over the Big Five and HEXACO personality traits

The Disintegration trait (i.e., proneness to psychotic-like experiences and behaviors) was recently proposed as the basic personality trait that supplements the space of individual differences framed by well-known Big Five and HEXACO models. In this research, we provided additional evidence of the unique contribution of Disintegration in predicting the individual differences in some outcomes whose relations with this trait are mainly unexplored. In the first study (N = 300), we employed a 20-item measure of Disintegration (DELTA-20), a short form of the Big Five Inventory (BFI-10), alcohol and drug use disorders identification tests (AUDIT, DUDIT), and Flanagan's Quality of Life Scale (QoLS). The results showed that Disintegration predicts higher levels of problem alcohol and drug use, and lower quality of life, over and above the Big Five traits, thus increasing the proportion of explained variance by 3% and 1%, respectively. In the second study (N = 537), we used a 10-item measure of Disintegration (DELTA-10), a 60-item form of HEXACO, and a Serbian version of the Modified and Revised Experiences in Close Relationship scale (SM-ECR-R). The results showed that Disintegration predicts higher levels of avoidance and anxiety in close relationships over and above HEXACO traits, with an incremental contribution in the explained variance of 2% and 11%, respectively. In sum, our findings suggested that the Disintegration trait, assessed by either the shorter or longer measure, accounts for unique variance in individual, wellbeing-related outcomes, and dyadic functioning-related outcomes. The limitations and future directions are discussed.

Problematic familial alcohol use and adolescent outcomes: Do associations differ by parental education?

Aim: To investigate the associations between problematic familial alcohol use and adolescent subjective health, binge drinking, relationships with parents, school performance, and future orientation, and to study whether these associations differ in relation to parental education. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the Stockholm School Survey (SSS) collected among students in the 9th and 11th grades in 2018 and in 2020 were used (n = 19,415). Subjective health, parent-youth relationships, and school performance were coded as continuous variables; binge drinking and future orientation were coded as binary variables. Familial drinking included three categories: problematic; don't know/missing; and not problematic. Parental university education distinguished between adolescents with two, one, or no university-educated parent(s). Control variables included gender, grade, family structure, migration background, parental unemployment, and survey year. Linear and binary logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Problematic familial alcohol use was associated with worsened subjective health, a higher likelihood of engaging in binge drinking, worse relationships with parents, and a higher likelihood of having a pessimistic future orientation, even when adjusting for all control variables. Having less than two university-educated parents was associated with a higher likelihood of reporting problematic familial alcohol use. Parental university education moderated the association between problematic familial alcohol use and binge drinking as this relationship was stronger for adolescents with no and one university-educated parent(s). Conclusions: Adolescents with problematic familial alcohol use fared worse with regards to all studied outcomes, except for school performance. Parental university education only moderated the association between problematic familial alcohol use and binge drinking. However, since problematic familial alcohol use was more common among adolescents with less than two university-educated parents, we argue that at the group level, this category may be more negatively affected by alcohol abuse in the family. Policy interventions could benefit from having a socioeconomic perspective on how children are affected by alcohol's harms to others.

Concordance of Ethyl Glucuronide, Blood Alcohol Content, and Self-Reported Alcohol Use in Russian Women with HIV and Hepatitis C Virus Co-Infection.

Problematic alcohol use is prevalent in Russia and is deleterious for individuals with HIV and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and blood alcohol content (BAC) provide objective biomarkers of drinking that can be compared to self-reported alcohol use. This paper describes patterns of alcohol use measured by biomarkers and self-report along with concordance across measures. Participants were Russian women with HIV and HCV co-infection (N = 200; Mean age = 34.9) from two Saint Petersburg comprehensive HIV care centers enrolled in an alcohol reduction intervention clinical trial. Measures were: (a) urine specimen analyzed for EtG; (b) breathalyzer reading of BAC; and (c) self-reported frequency of drinking, typical number of drinks consumed, and number of standard drinks consumed in the past month. At baseline, 64.0% (n = 128) had a positive EtG (> 500 ng/mL) and 76.5% (n = 153) had a positive breathalyzer reading (non-zero reading). There was agreement between EtG and BAC (kappa = 0.66, p < .001; Phi coefficient = 0.69, p < .001); self-reported alcohol measures were positively correlated with positive EtG and BAC (p's < 0.001). There was concordance between EtG and BAC measures, which have differing alcohol detection windows. Most participants endorsed frequent drinking at high quantities, with very few reporting no alcohol consumption in the past month. Concordance between biomarkers and self-reported alcohol use suggests that underreporting of alcohol use was minimal. Results highlight the need for alcohol screening within HIV care. Implications for alcohol assessment within research and clinical contexts are discussed.

Symptoms of posttraumatic stress partially mediate the relationship between gender-based violence and alcohol misuse among South African women

BackgroundThe association of traumatic experiences with problematic alcohol use has been described, but data on possible mediation effects of mental distress are sparse. We examined whether mental ill-health mediated the association between trauma exposure across the lifespan and alcohol use.MethodWe analysed cross-sectional data from a sample of rape-exposed and non-rape-exposed women, living in KwaZulu-Natal, with self-reported data on alcohol misuse (AUDIT-C cut-off ≥ 3) and exposure to childhood maltreatment (CM), intimate partner violence (IPV), non-partner sexual violence (NPSV), other traumatic events, and mental ill-health. Logistic regression and multiple mediation models were used to test the mediation effects of symptoms of depression and PTSS on the association between abuse/trauma and alcohol misuse.ResultsOf 1615 women, 31% (n = 498) reported alcohol misuse. Exposure to any CM (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.59, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27–1.99), as well as to sexual, physical and emotional CM, were independently associated with alcohol misuse. Lifetime exposure to any IPV (aOR:2.01, 95%CI:1.59–2.54), as well as to physical, emotional and economic IPV, NPSV (aOR: 1.75, 95%CI: 1.32–2.33), and other trauma (aOR:2.08, 95%CI:1.62–2.66), was associated with alcohol misuse. Exposure to an increasing number of abuse types, and other traumatic events, was independently associated with alcohol misuse. PTSS partially mediated the associations of CM, IPV, NPSV and other trauma exposures with alcohol misuse (ps ≤ 0.04 for indirect effects), but depression symptoms did not.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the need for trauma-informed interventions to address alcohol misuse that are tailored to the needs of women who have experienced violence.

A-68 The Relationship Between Brain Injury And Substance Use Patterns In University Students

Abstract Purpose Our prior research has suggested that athletes with history of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are at greater risk of single and polysubstance use. The present study further explored the factors associated with this relationship in a large undergraduate population. Methods 894 university students (44% athletes) completed self-reported TBI history (blows to the head or whiplash causing loss of consciousness or memory, or feeling dazed), substance use (Alcohol and Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Tests (AUDIT; CUDIT)) and psychological measures. Relationships between these factors were examined using linear regression models. Results 200 (22.4%) students reported a history of one or more TBIs (45.63% sport-related). TBI history predicted current cannabis and alcohol use, with those with a history of multiple TBIs reporting more problematic use of each substance (ps&amp;lt;.01) as well as greater polysubstance use (p&amp;lt;.001). Past history of depression predicted more problematic cannabis use (p=.007), while past history of anxiety and depression predicted more problematic alcohol use. When examining multiple factors associated with use, history of TBIs (p=.008) and higher current depression symptoms (p=.006) predicted more problematic cannabis use, whereas for alcohol users, history of TBI and female sex was related to more problematic use (p=.041). Conclusions History of TBI predicts higher levels of substance use and polysubstance use and increased number of TBIs and mental health problems may be related to greater risk of hazardous substance use. Consideration of TBI history is essential for identifying players at risk for engaging in problematic behaviours such as hazardous substance use.

Alcohol use and associated risk factors among female sex workers in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Due to its widespread use in the sex work industry, female sex workers (FSWs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are at high risk of harmful alcohol use and associated adverse health outcomes. Factors associated with harmful alcohol use include violence, mental health problems, drug use, sexual risk behaviors and HIV/STIs. To our knowledge, there has been no quantitative synthesis of FSW alcohol use data to date. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide an estimate of the prevalence of harmful alcohol use among FSWs in LMICs and to examine associations with common health and social concerns. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42021237438. We searched three electronic databases for peer-reviewed, quantitative studies from inception to 24th February 2021. Studies were selected for inclusion that reported any measure of prevalence or incidence of alcohol use among FSWs aged 18 or older from countries defined as LMIC in accordance with the World Bank income groups 2019. The following study designs were included: cross-sectional survey, case-control study, cohort study, case series analysis, or experimental study with baseline measures for alcohol use. Study quality was assessed with the Center for Evidence-Based Management (CEBMa) Critical Appraisal Tool. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated for (i) any hazardous/harmful/dependent alcohol use, (ii) harmful/dependent alcohol use only, both overall and by region and (iii) daily alcohol use. Meta-analyses examined associations between harmful alcohol use and violence, condom use, HIV/STIs, mental health problems and other drug use. In total, 435 papers were identified. After screening, 99 papers reporting on 87 unique studies with 51,904 participants from 32 LMICs met the inclusion criteria. Study designs included cross-sectional (n = 89), cohort (n = 6) and experimental (n = 4). Overall, 5 scored as high quality, 79 studies scored as moderate and 15 scored as weak quality. Twenty-nine papers reporting on 22 unique studies used validated alcohol use tools including AUDIT, CAGE and WHO CIDI. The pooled prevalence of any hazardous/harmful/dependent alcohol use was 41% (95% CI: 31-51%), and of daily alcohol use was 26% (95% CI: 17-36%). There was variation in harmful alcohol use by global region (Sub-Saharan Africa: 38%; South Asia/Central Asia/ East Asia and Pacific: 47% and Latin America and the Caribbean:44%). Harmful alcohol use was significantly associated with inconsistent condom use (pooled unadjusted RR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.01-2.67), STIs (pooled unadjusted OR: 1.29; 95% CI 1.15-1.46); and other drug use (pooled unadjusted OR of 2.44; 95% CI 1.24-4.80), but not with HIV, violence or mental health problems. We found a high prevalence of problem alcohol use and daily alcohol use among FSWs in LMICs. Harmful drinking was associated with important HIV risk factors such as inconsistent condom use, STIs and other drug use. Major limitations included heterogeneity in tools and cut-off scores to measure alcohol use and other common risk factors, and a paucity of longitudinal studies. There is an urgent need for tailored interventions for FSWs in LMICs that address alcohol use as well as the associated sex work risk environment.

Associations between Drinking Contexts, Minority Stress, and Problematic Alcohol Use among Sexual Minority Individuals Assigned Female at Birth.

Sexual minority individuals assigned female at birth (SM-AFAB) are at increased risk for problematic alcohol use compared to heterosexual women. Despite evidence that drinking locations and companions play an important role in problematic alcohol use among heterosexuals, few studies have examined these social contexts of alcohol use among SM-AFAB. To address this gap, the current study examined two aspects of social contexts in which SM-AFAB drink (locations and companions). We utilized two waves of data (six-months between waves) from an analytic sample of 392 SM-AFAB ages 17-33 from a larger longitudinal study. The goals were: (1) to identify classes of SM-AFAB based on the contexts in which they drank; (2) to examine the associations between drinking contexts, minority stressors, and problematic alcohol use; and (3) to examine changes in drinking contexts over time. Using latent class analysis, we identified four classes based on drinking locations and companions (private settings, social settings, social and private settings, multiple settings). These classes did not differ in minority stress. Drinking in multiple settings was associated with more problematic alcohol use within the same timepoint and these differences were maintained six months later. However, drinking in multiple settings did not predict subsequent changes in problematic alcohol use when problematic alcohol use at the prior wave was controlled for. Based on these findings, SM-AFAB who drink in multiple settings may be an important subpopulation for interventions to target. Interventions could focus on teaching SM-AFAB strategies to limit alcohol consumption and/or minimize alcohol-related consequences.

Not Drinking and Alone: Alcohol Use and Its Implications for Existential Isolation

Introduction: Research implicates social isolation as a risk factor for problematic alcohol use. However, no known research examines the role that a specific type of social isolation—existential isolation, a feeling of being alone in one's subjective experience of reality—plays in alcohol consumption. In sociocultural contexts where alcohol consumption is normative, existentially isolated individuals may seek out alcohol as a method for experiencing more existential connection. The opposite may also hold true: those who do not partake in the normative, alcohol-drinking culture may “pay the price” with higher levels of existential isolation. This study examined which of these two possible correlations between existential isolation and alcohol use the data support. Methods: In Study 1, we recruited 511 adult participants from Amazon MTurk. We then conducted a regression analysis to examine the unique predictive effects of existential isolation, gender, interpersonal isolation, and a gender × existential isolation interaction on alcohol consumption. Next, we examined whether existential motives mediated the relationship between existential isolation and alcohol use. In Study 2, we recruited 99 adult undergraduate students to determine if the Study 1 findings replicated in a different sample and with different measures of interpersonal isolation. We additionally assessed whether alcohol accounted for self-reported changes in existential isolation before and 3 months after arrival at college. Results: Data from Study 1 revealed that controlling for interpersonal isolation, lower existential isolation levels predicted greater alcohol use and that desire to drink for existential connection accounted for this effect. Study 2 replicated these findings. We observed a significant negative correlation between existential isolation and alcohol use and a negative correlation between alcohol use and change in existential isolation over time. Discussion: Our findings suggest a potential disadvantage to sobriety and an existential risk pathway to problematic alcohol use. We discuss the societal implications of these findings.

SYMPTOMS OF POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS PARTIALLY MEDIATE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND ALCOHOL MISUSE AMONG SOUTH AFRICAN WOMEN

Objective: Alcohol misuse is among modifiable risk factors of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies have described the associations of a range of traumatic experiences with problematic alcohol use, but data on possible mediation effects of mental distress are sparse. We examined whether mental ill-health mediated the association between trauma exposure across the lifespan and alcohol misuse. Design and method: We analysed cross-sectional data from a pooled sample of rape-exposed and non-rape-exposed women, 18-40 years-old, living in KwaZulu-Natal, with self-reported data on alcohol misuse (Audit-C cut-off = &gt;3) and exposure to childhood maltreatment (CM), intimate partner violence (IPV), non-partner sexual violence (NPSV), other traumatic events, and mental ill-health including depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Logistic regression and multiple mediation models were used to test the mediation effects of symptoms of depression and PTSS on the association between abuse/trauma and alcohol misuse. Results: Of 1615 women, 31% (n = 498) reported alcohol misuse. Exposure to any CM (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.59, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27-1.99), sexual (OR: 1.24, 95%CI: 1.04-1.94), physical (OR:1.39, 95%CI:1.12-1.72) and emotional CM (CA) (OR: 1.31, 95%CI: 1.04-1.66) were independently associated with alcohol misuse. Lifetime exposures to any IPV (OR:2.01, 95%CI:1.59-2.54), physical (OR:2.15, 95%CI:1.72-2.69), emotional (OR:1.61, 95%CI: 1.30-2.01) and economic IPV (OR: 1.35, 95%CI: 1.03-1.78), NPSV (OR: 1.75, 95%CI: 1.32-2.33) and other trauma (OR:2.08, 95%CI:1.62-2.66) were associated with alcohol misuse. Parental neglect and sexual IPV were not associated with alcohol misuse. Exposure to an increasing number of abuse types, and severity of CM (overall, physical and emotional, and parental neglect), IPV (overall, physical and emotional), NPSV and other traumatic events were independently associated with alcohol misuse. PTSS partially mediated the associations of CM, IPV, NPSV and other trauma exposures with alcohol misuse (p-values&lt; = 0.04 for indirect effects), but depression symptoms did not. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for trauma-informed psychological interventions to prevent and reduce alcohol misuse in women exposed to violence. Women diagnosed with alcohol misuse should be screened for trauma exposures and provided appropriately care, treatment.

0687 Loneliness, Sleep, and High Risk Alcohol Use in College Students Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Introduction The aim of this study is to determine what behavioral and psychological factors were predictive of high-risk drinking in students with and without a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) diagnosis. We also compared how these relationships differed between Fall 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, and Fall 2020, a period of increased financial stress, distance learning, and social isolation. Methods We used factor analysis to extract a wide range of behavioral and psychological predictor variables from the Fall 2019 and Fall 2020 American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment III (ACHA-NCHA). Next, we used structural equation modeling to identify significant drivers of high-risk alcohol use (ASSIST alcohol subscale) in students with (n = 577) and without (n = 50,926) SUD diagnosis. Results When compared to 2019, both students with and without SUD diagnosis showed lower levels of high-risk drinking, more difficulties falling asleep, and longer sleep duration. In students without SUD, short sleep duration and loneliness were the primary predictors of past year high risk alcohol use. In students with SUD, long sleep latencies and loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale) were the primary predictors, and sleep factors predicted more variance in high-risk alcohol use than in the general college population. Students with SUD diagnosis who also had sleep latencies &amp;gt;30 minutes were significantly more likely to report binge drinking (&amp;gt;5 drinks in one sitting) than those with shorter sleep latencies. Conclusion Sleep factors and loneliness are large predictors of problematic alcohol use in both students with and without diagnoses of Substance Use Disorder. In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, students sleep patterns changed with students reporting longer sleep, but also greater symptoms of insomnia. Support (if any)

0102 Are there associations between intraindividual variability in sleep and mental health among adolescents reporting alcohol use?

Abstract Introduction Considering the increasing number of studies that report on ecological momentary assessment by uses of sleep diary and actigraphy, it may also be valuable to consider the relationship between fluctuations that exists in sleep measures on adolescent health outcomes. Above the impact of mean sleep measures, intraindividual variability (IIV) in sleep provides information on the degree to which daily variations or fluctuations in sleep/wake patterns are occurring and may prompt important cues to adolescents’ health outcome. The present study examined the objective IIV in sleep and its relationship to their sleep and mental health outcomes among adolescents with history of alcohol use. Methods The study analyzed 8 days of wrist actigraphy data from 72 high school students reporting prior alcohol use (58.3% female; mean age 17.0 years). Bayesian variability method using varian (R package) was performed to calculate IIV in total sleep time (TST), time in bed (TIB), midpoint sleep, bedtime, and risetime. Participants also completed Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Cleveland Adolescent Sleepiness Questionnaire (CASQ), Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS-SR-30), Chapman’s Inventories – Social Anhedonia (CHAPSAS), and Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index (RAPI). Multiple linear regression models were adjusted for biological sex, age, and the sum of alcohol drinks in the past 3 months. Results Participants reported average of 18.52 (SD=23.10) total drinks consumed over the past 3 months. IIV in TST, TIB, and risetime were associated with lower sleep quality (B=3.04, 95% CI, 0.02, 7.39, p&amp;lt; 0.05 for IIV in TST; B=2.87, 95% CI, 0.39, 5.88, p&amp;lt; 0.05 for IIV in TIB; and B=2.74, 95% CI, 0.57, 6.19, p&amp;lt; 0.05 for IIV in risetime, respectively). There was no statistically significant association between IIV of sleep measures and excessive daytime sleepiness or mental health outcomes such as social anhedonia, depressive symptoms, and problematic alcohol use. Conclusion Greater fluctuation in TST, TIB, and risetime were negatively associated with overall sleep quality. Our findings add to a growing body of research on IIV in sleep/wake patterns and clinical implications. Future studies should explore the prospective relationship between variability in sleep and other various health outcomes. Support (if any) NIH/NIAAA R01AA025626 (Hasler); Sleep Research Society Foundation Mentor-Mentee Award (Kwon)

The Big Five Personality Domains and Their Facets: Empirical Relations to Problematic Use of Video Games, Social Media and Alcohol.

Relatively common behavioral patterns in adolescence are problematic use of video games (PG), social media (PSMU) or alcohol (PAU). According to theoretical models, personality traits are relevant for Internet-related problematic behaviors. In the present study, associations of the Big Five personality domains and their 15 facets with PG, PSMU and PAU were compared for the first time. Therefore, 492 adolescents (mean age: 16.83 years) were examined with the established Big Five Inventory-2 as well as other standardized questionnaires on PG, PSMU and PAU. For statistical evaluation, correlation analyses were used as bivariate procedures and multiple regression analyses as multivariable procedures. At the personality domain level, consistently in bivariate and multivariate analyses, statistically significant associations between higher Negative Emotionality (Neuroticism) and PG, PSMU and PAU as well as between lower Open-Mindedness and PG and PAU were observed. At the level of facets, higher Anxiety (facet of Negative Emotionality) was related to PG and PSMU as well as lower Aesthetic Sensitivity (facet of Open-Mindedness) and lower Productiveness (facet of Conscientiousness) to PG. Considering the overlap of 95% confidence intervals, very comparable patterns of associations between PG, PSMU and PAU and the Big Five and their facets were observed in adolescence (indicating similarities in etiology).

Multilevel Analysis of Sociopolitical Contexts, Social Support, Mental Health, and Alcohol Use Among Partnered Sexual Minority Latino Men in the U.S.

The objective of this paper is to examine how state-level characteristics relate to social support and mental health outcomes among Latino sexual minority men in the U.S. Multilevel linear regression analyses were used to estimate the effect of social support and contextual-level characteristics on mental health and alcohol use among Latino sexual minority men (n = 612). Individual-level data were collected via a national, online survey between November 2018 and May 2019. State-level data were drawn from the 2019 American Community Survey and the Human Rights Campaign's 2018 State Equality Index score cards. The interaction between friend support and supportive LGBTQ+ policies was associated with anxiety (B = 1.77; 95% CI 0.69, 2.85; p = 0.001) and depression (B = 2.25; 95% CI 0.99, 3.50; p<0.001). The interaction between friend support and Latino population size was associated with greater problematic alcohol use (B = 0.06; 95% CI 0.03, 0.10; p<0.001). The interaction between partner support and supportive LGBTQ+ policies were also associated problematic drinking (B = -1.72; 95% CI -3.05, -0.38; p<0.012). Contextual factors can affect the everyday experiences of Latino sexual minority men. The effect of social support on mental health outcomes may depend on state-level factors. Public health efforts that seek to address the mental health and problematic drinking behaviors of Latino sexual minority men must consider the impact of macro-level policies on program and intervention development.

Investigating gender differences in the co-occurrence of PTSD and food addiction

ObjectivePost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) commonly co-occurs with substance use disorders (SUDs). Past studies suggest PTSD is also associated with food addiction (compulsive intake of highly processed foods containing refined carbohydrates and/or added fat). However, research investigating gender differences has been limited (e.g., restricted samples) and mixed. We aim to investigate the risk of co-occurring PTSD and food addiction in a community sample for all participants and stratified by gender. Additionally, we conducted risk ratios for problematic substance use and obesity to allow for within-sample comparisons. MethodWe utilized a sample of 318 participants recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk (mean age = 41.2, 47.8% men, 78.0% white) to address existing gaps in the literature on PTSD and food addiction. We calculated risk ratios (adjusted for sociodemographic covariates) using modified Poisson regression with 95% confidence intervals. Results were also gender stratified. ResultsRisk of food addiction (Risk Ratio (RR) = 6.42, 95% CI [4.10, 10.07], problematic alcohol use (RR) = 3.86, 95% CI [2.25,6.62], problematic smoking (RR) = 3.93, 95% CI [2.22, 6.97], and problematic nicotine vaping (RR) = 5.41, 95% CI [2.41, 11.14] were higher for those meeting criteria for PTSD. Risk of problematic cannabis use, and risk of obesity were not significantly higher for those meeting criteria for PTSD. Gender-stratified results suggest risk of food addiction may be higher for men (RR) = 8.54, 95% CI [4.49, 16.25] compared to women (RR) = 4.32, 95% CI [2.16, 8.62]. DiscussionFood addiction, but not obesity, appears to co-occur with PTSD more strongly than other types of problematic substance use (alcohol, cannabis, cigarettes, nicotine vaping). This risk appears to be particularly high for men compared to women. Assessing for food addiction in those with PTSD, particularly in men, may assist in identifying high-risk groups.

Identifying the most important research, policy and practice questions for substance use, problematic alcohol use and behavioural addictions in autism (SABA-A): A priority setting partnership

BackgroundAutistic people are more likely to report problematic alcohol and other substance use when compared to the general population. Evidence suggests that up to one in three autistic adults may have an alcohol or other substance use disorder (AUD/SUD), although the evidence base for behavioural addictions is less clear. Autistic people may use substances or engage in potentially addictive behaviours as a means of coping with social anxiety, challenging life problems, or camouflaging in social contexts. Despite the prevalence and detrimental effects of AUD, SUD and behavioural addictions in community samples, literature focusing on the intersection between autism and these conditions is scarce, hindering health policy, research, and clinical practice. MethodsWe aimed to identify the top 10 priorities to build the evidence for research, policy, and clinical practice at this intersection. A priority-setting partnership was used to address this aim, comprising an international steering committee and stakeholders from various backgrounds, including people with declared lived experience of autism and/or addiction. First, an online survey was used to identify what people considered key questions about Substance use, alcohol use, or behavioural addictions in autistic people (SABA-A). These initial questions were reviewed and amended by stakeholders, and then classified and refined to form the final list of top priorities via an online consensus process. OutcomesThe top ten priorities were identified: three research, three policy, and four practice questions. Future research suggestions are discussed.

A latent profile analysis of blackout drinking behavior among young adults

BackgroundBlackout drinking, or alcohol-induced memory loss during a drinking occasion, is associated with additional negative alcohol-related outcomes. Brief motivational interventions targeting higher-risk alcohol use behavior have largely ignored blackout drinking. Including personalized information on blackout drinking could maximize intervention impact. To move toward incorporating content on blackout drinking in prevention and intervention materials, it is imperative to understand individual-level differences in blackout drinking. The current study aimed to identify latent profiles of young adults based on blackout drinking experiences and to examine person-level predictors and outcomes associated with profile membership. MethodParticipants were 542 young adults (ages 18–30) who reported 1+ past-year blackout episodes. Fifty-three percent of participants were female and 64% identified as non-Hispanic/Latinx white. ResultsFour latent profiles were identified based on blackout drinking frequency, blackout intentions, blackout expectancies, and age of first blackout: Low-Risk Blackout (35% of the sample), Experimental Blackout (23%), At-Risk Blackout (16%), and High-Risk Blackout (26%). Profiles varied by demographic, personality, and cognition- and alcohol-related behaviors. Notably, At-Risk and High-Risk Blackout profiles had the highest alcohol use disorder risk, most memory lapses and cognitive concerns, and highest levels of impulsivity traits. ConclusionsFindings support the multifaceted nature of blackout drinking experiences and perceptions. Profiles were differentiated across person-level predictors and outcomes, which identify potential intervention targets and individuals at heightened alcohol-related risk. A more comprehensive understanding of the heterogeneity of blackout drinking characteristics may be useful for early detection and intervention of problematic alcohol use predictors and patterns among young adults.

Digital psychological self-care for problematic alcohol use: feasibility of a new clinical concept.

Digital interventions based on cognitive-behavioural therapy and relapse prevention can increase treatment access for people with problematic alcohol use, but for these interventions to be cost-effective, clinician workload needs to remain low while ensuring patient adherence and effects. Digital psychological self-care is the provision of a self-guided digital intervention within a structured care process. To investigate the feasibility and preliminary effects of digital psychological self-care for reducing alcohol consumption. Thirty-six adults with problematic alcohol use received digital psychological self-care during 8 weeks, including telephone assessments as well as filling out self-rated questionnaires, before, directly after and 3 months after the intervention. Intervention adherence, usefulness, credibility and use of clinician time were assessed, along with preliminary effects on alcohol consumption. The study was prospectively registered as a clinical trial (NCT05037630). Most participants used the intervention daily or several times a week. The digital intervention was regarded as credible and useful, and there were no reported adverse effects. Around 1 h of clinician time per participant was spent on telephone assessments. At the 3-month follow-up, preliminary within-group effects on alcohol consumption were moderate (standardised drinks per week, Hedge's g = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.19-1.21; heavy drinking days, Hedge's g = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.09-1.11), reflecting a decrease from 23 to 13 drinks per week on average. Digital psychological self-care for reducing alcohol consumption appears both feasible and preliminarily effective and should be further optimised and studied in larger trials.