Perceptions of the Use of Alcohol and Drugs after Sudden Bereavement by Unnatural Causes: Analysis of Online Qualitative Data.

ABSTRACT: Bereavement is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric morbidity and all-cause mortality, particularly in younger people and after unnatural deaths. Substance misuse is implicated but little research has investigated patterns of drug or alcohol use after bereavement. We used a national online survey to collect qualitative data describing whether and how substance use changes after sudden bereavement. We conducted thematic analysis of free-text responses to a question probing use of alcohol and drugs after the sudden unnatural (non-suicide) death of a family member or a close friend. We analysed data from 243 adults in British Higher Education Institutions aged 18-40, identifying two main themes describing post-bereavement alcohol or drug use: (1) sense of control over use of drugs

SUBMITTER: Drabwell L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7037803 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature