Changes in alcohol use during the COVID-19 pandemic among American veterans.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had considerable behavioral health implications globally. One subgroup that may be of particular concern is U.S. veterans, who are susceptible to mental health and substance use concerns. The current study aimed to investigate changes in alcohol use and binge drinking before and during the first year of the pandemic among U.S. veterans, and how pre-pandemic mental health disorders, namely posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and COVID-19-related factors like loneliness, negative reactions to COVID-19, and economic hardship influenced alcohol use trends.

Methods

1230 veterans were recruited in February 2020 as part of a larger survey study on veteran health behaviors. Veterans were asked to complete follow-up assessments throughout the pa

SUBMITTER: Davis JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8381728 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature