Alcohol Use In Women Research Articles

Gender moderates the association between distress tolerance and alcohol use among individuals with opioid use disorder

BackgroundAlcohol use among individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) can be dangerous, and understanding factors contributing to alcohol use in this population is important. The current study examined alcohol use among individuals with prescription OUD based on distress tolerance. It was hypothesized that individuals with greater distress tolerance abilities would have a lower frequency and quantity of alcohol use compared to individuals with less distress tolerance. It was also hypothesized that this association would differ based on gender. MethodsA total of 122 individuals with prescription OUD participated in the current study. Participants completed questionnaires regarding demographics, distress tolerance, mental health symptoms, and frequency and quantity of alcohol in the past 30 days. A regression model was conducted using the alcohol-related variables as outcomes. ResultsThere was a significant interaction between gender and distress tolerance on alcohol use frequency. Greater distress tolerance was associated with fewer alcohol use days in women, but there was no association between distress tolerance and alcohol use days in men. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that distress tolerance skills may be key to reducing alcohol use in women with prescription OUD.

Changes in Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Use Over Five Years After Receiving Versus Being Denied a Pregnancy Termination

Research on effects of pregnancy termination on women's alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use suffers from methodological and conceptual problems. Improving on prior methodologies, this study examines changes in ATOD use over 5 years among women seeking terminations. Data are from the Turnaway Study, a longitudinal study of 956 women seeking terminations at 30 U.S. facilities. Participants presented just below a facility's gestational limit and received terminations (Near-Limits) or just beyond the limit and were denied terminations (Turnaways). Using mixed-effects logistic regression, we assessed differences in ATOD use over 5 years among Near-Limits and Turnaways. There were no differences in ATOD use before pregnancy recognition; 1 week after termination seeking, Turnaways had lower odds than Near-Limits of any and heavy episodic alcohol use (p < .001), but not alcohol problem symptoms, tobacco use, or other drug use. Although both groups increased in any alcohol use over time, Turnaways increased more rapidly. Neither group increased any other ATOD measures over time. Turnaways' lower odds of heavy episodic alcohol use at 1 week after termination seeking were maintained throughout the subsequent 5 years. There was no differential change in problem alcohol use or in tobacco or other drug use over time, yet fewer Turnaways than Near-Limits reported problem alcohol symptoms 6 months through 3.5 years. There is no indication that terminating a pregnancy led women to increase heavy episodic or problem alcohol use or to increase tobacco or other drug use. Women denied terminations had temporary or sustained reductions in all alcohol measures, but not tobacco or other drugs, suggesting that relationships between pregnancy/parenting and ATOD differ across substances.

Gender differences in substance use treatment and substance use among adults on probation

ABSTRACTBackground: Although many formal and informal substance use treatment programs were originally designed for men, no studies have investigated how gender affects the use of substance use treatment modalities, and how gender differences in treatment utilization impact substance use in the unique probation context. Objective: To describe gender differences in use and effectiveness of substance use treatment modalities (formal and informal) among probationers. Methods: Longitudinal data were obtained from 335 individuals (93 women) who participated in the Motivational Assessment Program to Initiate Treatment (MAPIT) study. Timeline follow-back measures were used to quantify daily substance use and treatment modality (formal treatment included inpatient and outpatient treatment; informal treatment included self-help, religious, and all other group meetings). Multivariate generalized estimating equations were used to examine relationships between gender, treatment, and substance use. Results: Gender was not associated with alcohol use. Use of formal treatment programs reduced the odds of alcohol use by 15%. The probability of alcohol use was the lowest (8%) for men who participated in formal treatment. For men using informal treatment programs, the probability of alcohol use was 11%. The probability of alcohol use for women was similar regardless of the type of treatment utilization (15–16%). No differences in illicit drug use by gender or type of treatment were detected. Conclusion: This research found limited evidence of a relationship between gender, substance use treatment modality, and alcohol use. These findings have clinical significance in that both formal and informal treatment approaches are similarly effective across both men and women.

Recent Trend and Associated Factors of Harmful Alcohol Use Based on Age and Gender in Korea.

BackgroundPrevious studies suggest that the impact of social factors on harmful alcohol use between men and women may be different. We aimed to explore the gender-based difference in temporal trend and social risk factors associated with harmful alcohol use.MethodsThe Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2014) was used to explore the recent trend of harmful alcohol use in the general population. Among all current alcohol drinkers aged 20–64 years, the frequencies of harmful alcohol use in each age group, year of birth, marriage, income, education, and occupation were analyzed based on gender.ResultsA total of 34,478 people (14,544 men and 19,834 women) who reported drinking alcohol in the last month at the time of interview were included in the analysis. The proportion of harmful alcohol use in men decreased (P for trend = 0.002) during the study period, whereas significant change was not observed in women (P for trend = 0.173). The prevalence of harmful alcohol use was highest in men aged 35–49 years and women aged 20–34 years. For both men and women, lower level of education and service occupation were the common risk factors of harmful alcohol use. Additionally, low income was a risk factor of harmful alcohol use in women but not in men. Marriage increased the risk of harmful alcohol use in women but decreased in men.ConclusionPublic health interventions in reducing harmful alcohol use should consider the different high-risk groups between men and women.

Couples' Alcohol Use in Middle and Later Life: Stability and Mutual Influence.

Wives and husbands may influence one another's alcohol use, but little is known about within-couple patterns of alcohol consumption over time during midlife and later life. Drawing from a nationally representative U.S. sample of middle-aged and older married couples, we examined individual stability and partner influence in alcohol use across a 16-year period. The analytic sample comprised 1,257 married couples age 40 and older who completed nine waves of the Health and Retirement Study (1996-2012). Dyadic multilevel models were estimated to simultaneously examine the stability of one's own alcohol use (number of drinks per occasion and per week) over time as well as whether partner drinking predicted subsequent alcohol use within couples. Models controlled for marital duration. Wives' and husbands' own prior alcohol use positively predicted alcohol use across waves, demonstrating individual stability in drinking patterns. Partners' alcohol use also positively predicted wives' and husbands' subsequent alcohol use, revealing partner influence in drinking patterns. Both stability and influence effects were stronger for husbands than for wives. This study provides evidence of stability and mutual influence in long-term patterns of alcohol use within mid- and late-life married couples. Findings highlight the interdependence between spouses and indicate that partners' drinking should be considered when examining men's and women's alcohol use over time.

Social Factors Linking Stigma-Related Stress with Alcohol Use among Lesbians.

A conceptual model linking stigma-related stress and lesbian women's alcohol use and related problems via social factors (i.e., social constraints and social isolation), depressive symptoms, and negative reinforcement drinking motives (i.e., coping and conformity) was tested. Self-identified lesbian women (N = 1048), age 18-35 years in the United States completed an online survey of discrimination, stigma consciousness, social isolation, social constraints, depressive symptoms, drinking motives, alcohol use and related problems. The hypothesized path model showed excellent model fit. The predicted pathway of stigma-related stressors to alcohol outcomes via social factors, depressive symptoms, and coping/conformity motives was largely supported. Results highlight the importance of social factors in linking stigma-related stress to alcohol use and related problems among lesbians. Understanding the underlying social mechanisms connecting stigma to negative health outcomes may help inform intervention efforts to reduce alcohol use and related problems among lesbians and associated health disparities.

No. 245-Alcohol Use and Pregnancy Consensus Clinical Guidelines.

To establish national standards of care for the screening and recording of alcohol use and counselling on alcohol use of women of child-bearing age and pregnant women based on the most up-to-date evidence. Published literature was retrieved through searches of PubMed, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library in May 2009 using appropriate controlled vocabulary (e.g., pregnancy complications, alcohol drinking, prenatal care) and key words (e.g., pregnancy, alcohol consumption, risk reduction). Results were restricted to literature published in the last five years with the following research designs: systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. There were no language restrictions. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to May 2010. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment (HTA) and HTA-related agencies, national and international medical specialty societies, clinical practice guideline collections, and clinical trial registries. Each article was screened for relevance and the full text acquired if determined to be relevant. The evidence obtained was reviewed and evaluated by the members of the Expert Workgroup established by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. The quality of evidence was evaluated and recommendations were made according to guidelines developed by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table1). The Public Health Agency of Canada and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. These consensus guidelines have been endorsed by the Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Quebec; the Canadian Association of Midwives; the Canadian Association of Perinatal, Women's Health and Neonatal Nurses (CAPWHN); the College of Family Physicians of Canada; the Federation of Medical Women of Canada; the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada; and Motherisk. RECOMMENDATIONS.

Differential effects of perceived stress on alcohol consumption in moderate versus heavy drinking HIV-infected women

ObjectiveTo examine the association between perceived stress and subsequent alcohol use in women living with HIV. MethodsWomen (n=338) receiving HIV care between April 2006 and July 2010 who enrolled in either a brief intervention for hazardous drinking or a cohort of non-hazardous drinkers completed a 90-day drinking and drug use history, and completed stress, depression and anxiety measures at 0, 6, and 12 months. We examined the association between perceived stress at months 0 or 6 and measures of quantity and frequency of alcohol use in months 3-6 and 9-12, respectively. ResultsThe association between perceived stress and subsequent alcohol use depended on whether women were heavy or moderate drinkers at index visit. Among women reporting ≥7 drinks/week at index visit, high levels of perceived stress were associated with subsequent increased alcohol intake. However, among women reporting >0 but <7 drinks/week at index visit, high levels of perceived stress were associated with a subsequent reduction in drinking. ConclusionsBaseline drinking status moderates the relationship between perceived stress and subsequent alcohol use. Perceived stress is an important therapeutic target in women who are heavy drinkers.

PAC1 receptor (ADCYAP1R1) genotype and problematic alcohol use in a sample of young women.

BackgroundRecent studies revealed the role of the PAC1 (ADCYAP1R1) gene variability in vulnerability to posttraumatic stress disorder in women. Due to the relatively high comorbidity of posttraumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder, we hypothesized about possible associations between PAC1 gene and problematic alcohol use.MethodThe sample studied consisted of 491 women aged 18–28 years (mean age =21.76 years; SD =1.83) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test was used to assess drinking problems. We successfully genotyped 17 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the PAC1 gene.ResultsSingle locus analysis revealed a significant (after correction for multiple testing) association between intronic polymorphism rs2302475 and problematic alcohol use (P=0.00048; recessive model). This result was strengthened by the haplotype analysis (P=0.00379).ConclusionOur results suggest that the PACAP/PAC1 signaling system is implicated in the development of problematic alcohol use in women.

The Influence of Social Circumstances on “Risky” Patterns of Alcohol Consumption Among Mothers With Preschool-Aged Children in England

ABSTRACTBackground: Social factors have been linked to patterns of alcohol use among women. However, conflicting evidence on the ways in which socio-economic circumstances are linked to women's alcohol use impedes our understanding. Interest in women's alcohol use has moved up the policy agenda. Nevertheless, existing research fails to attend to differences among groups of women according to their social circumstances, including whether or not they are mothers. Objectives: This study aims to enhance our understanding of “risky” patterns of alcohol use among mothers in the UK during very early motherhood. Methods: Secondary analyses of 2000/1 data from the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) was undertaken. Using a broad outcome measure of “risky” alcohol use, patterns of consumption among a sub-set of mothers recruited in England (n = 7048) were explored according to a number of social and domestic variables. Using logistic regression, mutually adjusted analyses that included adjustment for age were undertaken. Odds ratios were calculated for the likelihood of “risky” drinking according to mothers' social circumstances and level of disadvantage. Results: “Risky” alcohol use was more likely with increased levels of disadvantage: disadvantaged childhood circumstances, lower levels of educational attainment, lower household income, younger age at first birth, lone parenthood. Conclusions: Social gradients were evident for “risky” alcohol use among mothers with 9-month-old babies in England who took part in the MCS. These findings emphasize the importance of exploring patterns of alcohol use among sub-groups of the population that are currently under-represented in the research literature.

Changes in alcohol use following the transition to motherhood: Findings from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions

BackgroundLittle is known about the impact of motherhood on alcohol use beyond the acute reductions observed in pregnancy. This study characterizes changes in alcohol use for women who did and did not become mothers over three years. MethodsData are from the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). Participants were female respondents aged 18–44 years who did not have children and were not pregnant at wave 1, and who reported having at least one drink in the year prior to wave 1 (n=2118). Women were classified as mothers (n=325) if they reported having a child between waves 1 and 2, and non-mothers if they did not (n=1793). At each wave, participants provided information on past-year frequency of alcohol use and heavy episodic drinking, and usual number of alcoholic beverages consumed per occasion. ResultsAt baseline, women who did and did not become mothers reported similar levels of alcohol use. Women who became mothers reported significant reductions in alcohol use indicators from wave 1 to wave 2 (i.e., 22 fewer drinking days, 15 fewer heavy drinking days, 1 less drink per occasion), whereas women who did not become mothers showed a modest increase in alcohol use frequency (i.e., 7 more drinking days). Motherhood remained significantly associated with reductions in alcohol use after adjusting for sociodemographic variables and baseline alcohol use. ConclusionsThe transition to motherhood is associated with marked reductions in alcohol consumption. Similar reductions were not observed for women who did not become mothers.

An examination of affect prior to and following episodes of getting drunk in women with bulimia nervosa

The current study examined the association between affect and self-reported alcohol intoxication in women with bulimia nervosa (BN; N=133). Participants completed a two-week ecological momentary assessment protocol. Momentary global positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA), as well as the facets of NA (fear, guilt, hostility and sadness), were measured. Forty-five participants endorsed that they “got drunk” during the study period. Daily mean and variability of global PA and NA were compared between days with self-reported alcohol intoxication and days without self-reported alcohol intoxication. Trajectories of affect were modeled prior to and following episodes of self-reported alcohol intoxication. There were no differences in the mean or variability of PA or NA on days characterized by self-reported alcohol intoxication compared to days with no self-reported alcohol intoxication (ps>0.05). PA decreased significantly prior to self-reported alcohol intoxication and remained stable afterwards. There were no changes in global NA before or after self-reported alcohol intoxication, but an examination of the facets of NA showed that sadness increased following episodes of self-reported alcohol intoxication. These findings showed only partial support for a negative reinforcement model of alcohol use in women with BN.

Brief Report: A web-based pilot study of childhood sexual abuse, recent stressful events, and alcohol use in women.

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a well-documented risk factor for problem drinking, but the possibility that recent stressful events exacerbate risk conferred by CSA has rarely been examined, and the few studies to do so have limited their investigations to negative events. The aim of the current study was to examine the associations between CSA, recent positive and negative stressful events, and women's alcohol consumption. Eighty-nine women (42.7% reporting CSA) completed weekly web-based alcohol use surveys and a stressful event inventory assessing negative and positive events over a 12 week period. Independent of CSA history, experiencing negative events was associated with elevated likelihood of drinking to intoxication. Proximal distressing events are more closely linked than CSA history to short-term drinking patterns. Tracking stressful negative events may be informative for identifying precipitants of heavy drinking.

The role of substance use in same-day intimate partner violence: A review of the literature

Abstract Previous research examining the relationship between substance use and intimate partner violence (IPV) demonstrates correlations over the long term, but does not show how both are related on the same day. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to review recent literature (N = 17 studies) on the role of specific substances in same-day IPV. The literature offers robust evidence that men and women's alcohol use increases the likelihood of perpetrating physical violence on the same day. Some preliminary results suggest that young men and women's alcohol use possibly increases the odds that they will perpetrate same-day psychological aggression. In addition, preliminary results suggest that men's, as well as women's, cocaine use possibly increases a women's risk of becoming a victim of same-day IPV. Consequently, the role alcohol has in especially physical IPV perpetration cannot be denied, either in future research or in clinical practice. Because alcohol use also increases the likelihood of dating violence perpetration for both men and women, early intervention and treatment is warranted. Dating violence also increases the risk of (young) adult IPV perpetration and victimization, and thus, addressing substance use in adolescence seems an appropriate means to diminish dating violence and thwart the occurrence of IPV in (young) adulthood.

Poor body image and alcohol use in women.

Two studies were conducted to examine the association between body image and alcohol use. Of interest was the extent to which alcohol outcome expectancies act as a moderator in this relationship, particularly in women. In Study 1, 421 college students (175 men, 246 women) provided self-report data on body image, social expressiveness expectancies, and average weekly alcohol use; the data were examined using a moderation model. Results showed that women with poor body image and high social expressiveness expectancies reported a significantly greater amount of average weekly alcohol consumption, whereas no such interaction was observed for men. Study 2 tested the same moderation model with 67 female participants; however, this second study utilized an in-lab behavioral measure of alcohol consumption as the outcome variable. The second study replicated results from Study 1, showing that women with overweight body image and alcohol-related high social expressiveness expectancies consumed significantly more beer during a taste rating task than women with other combinations of these variables. Taken together, the results of Studies 1 and 2 indicate that, specifically for women, an overweight body image and positive expectancies about the social, confidence-enhancing benefits of alcohol act as risk factors for excessive drinking.

Infant birthweight in the US: the role of preconception stressful life events and substance use.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships among preconception stressful life events (PSLEs), women's alcohol and tobacco use before and during pregnancy, and infant birthweight. Data were from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort (n = 9,350). Data were collected in 2001. Exposure to PSLEs was defined by indications of death of a parent, spouse, or previous live born child; divorce or marital separation; or fertility problems prior to conception. Survey data determined alcohol and tobacco usage during the 3months prior to and in the final 3months of pregnancy. We used staged multivariable logistic regression to estimate the effects of women's substance use and PSLEs on the risk of having a very low (<1,500g, VLBW) or low (1,500-2,499g, LBW) birthweight infant, adjusting for confounders. Women who experienced any PSLE were more likely to give birth to VLBW infants (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10-1.66) than women who did not experience any PSLE. Compared to women who never smoked, women who smoked prior to conception (AOR = 1.31; 95% CI = 1.04-1.66) or during their last trimester (AOR = 1.98; 95% CI = 1.56-2.52) were more likely to give birth to LBW infants. PSLEs and women's tobacco use before and during pregnancy are independent risk factors for having a lower birthweight baby. Interventions to improve birth outcomes may need to address women's health and health behaviors in the preconception period.

The voice of non-pregnant women on alcohol consumption during pregnancy: a focus group study among women in Sweden.

BackgroundConsensus is that fetal exposure to alcohol is harmful. Abstinence while trying to conceive and throughout pregnancy is recommended. Despite this, there are many women who consume alcohol around conception and until pregnancy recognition. The aim of this study was to explore the voice of non-pregnant women concerning alcohol consumption and its relation to pregnancy.MethodsData were collected through seven focus groups interviews with 34 women of fertile age, who were neither pregnant nor mothers. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken, recorded and transcribed verbatim and then analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsThree main themes were identified in the analysis: an issue that cannot be ignored; awareness and uncertainty concerning alcohol and pregnancy; and transition to parenthood. Alcohol was an integral part of the women’s lives. A societal expectation to drink alcohol was prevalent and the women used different strategies to handle this expectation. Most women agreed not to drink alcohol during pregnancy although their knowledge on the specific consequences was scanty and they expressed a need for more information. Most of the participants found drinking alcohol during pregnancy to be irresponsible and saw pregnancy as a start of a new way of life.ConclusionsSocial expectations concerning women’s alcohol use change with pregnancy when women are suddenly expected to abstain. Although most study participants shared an opinion for zero tolerance during pregnancy, their knowledge regarding consequences of drinking during pregnancy were sparse. In order for prospective mothers to make informed choices, there is a need for public health initiatives providing information on the relationship between alcohol consumption and reproduction.

The relationship between alcohol consumption and menstrual cycle: a review of the literature.

Alcohol use affects men and women differently, with women being more affected by the health effects of alcohol use (NIAAA, 2011). Yet, a dearth of information investigating the alcohol use in women exists (SAMSHA, 2011). In particular, one dispositional factor hypothesized to contribute to alcohol consumption in women is the menstrual cycle. However, only 13 empirical papers have considered the menstrual cycle as related to alcohol consumption in women. These studies fall out with somewhat mixed findings suggesting that the premenstrual week is associated with increased, decreased, or no change in alcohol consumption, likely due to methodological differences in menstrual cycle determination and measures of alcohol consumption. These methodological differences and possible other contributing factors are discussed here with recommendations for future research in this area. Understanding the contribution of the menstrual cycle to alcohol consumption is one step in addressing an important women's health concern.

Missed Opportunities: Screening and Brief Intervention for Risky Alcohol Use in Women's Health Settings.

Although women's health settings could provide access to women for screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) for risky alcohol use, little is known about rates of alcohol use or associated risk for alcohol-exposed pregnancy (AEP) among women's health patients, receipt of SBIRT services in these settings, or patient attitudes towards SBIRT services. This study reports the results of a self-administered survey to a convenience sample of women's health patients attending public clinics for family planning or sexually transmitted infection visits. Surveys were analyzed for 199 reproductive-aged women who had visited the clinic within the past year. The rate of risky drinking among the sample was (44%) and risk for AEP was (17%). Despite this, many patients did not receive SBIRT services, with more than half of risky drinking patients reporting that they were not advised about safe drinking limits (59%) and similar rates of patients at risk for AEP reporting that their medical provider did not discuss risk factors of AEP (53%). Patient attitudes towards receipt of SBIRT services were favorable; more than 90% of women agreed or strongly agreed that if their drinking was affecting their health, their women's health provider should advise them to cut down. Women's health clinics may be an ideal setting to implement SBIRT and future research should address treatment efficacy in these settings.

Impact of Exposure to Childhood Maltreatment on Transitions to Alcohol Dependence in Women and Men.

Childhood maltreatment decreases age of first use and speeds the transition from first use to dependence (i.e., telescoping) for alcohol use, however, it is currently unknown whether this influence is the same for men and women. Analyses were conducted with the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (n = 34,653). Outcome variables included age of alcohol initiation and time to onset of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition alcohol dependence. Predictor variables included gender and childhood maltreatment. Linear and Poisson regression analyses were conducted. Results demonstrated that in regard to age of drinking initiation, individuals who experienced childhood maltreatment initiated 1 year earlier than those without maltreatment, however, there was no interaction of this relationship with gender. Regarding the time to dependence, it was found that women who experienced childhood maltreatment demonstrated telescoping (shorter time between onset and dependence) compared to women without maltreatment and men (both with and without maltreatment). Women with a history of childhood maltreatment are particularly vulnerable to an accelerated time from initiation of alcohol use until dependence, a pattern indicative of increased negative alcohol-related outcomes. Findings highlight the need for development of gender-specific prevention efforts and behavioral treatments to aid in early intervention of problematic alcohol use in women.