Prospective effects of loneliness on frequency of alcohol and marijuana use.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Loneliness is a widespread problem, with demonstrated negative health effects. However, prospective data on the relationship between loneliness and problematic substance use are lacking, and few studies have examined specific commonplace substances, such as alcohol and cannabis. This study used prospective data from a community sample of US adults with problematic alcohol or cannabis use to examine whether loneliness was a predictor of subsequent increased substance use.

Methods

Participants (N = 210) were recruited between 05/2016-06/2019 from a New York City medical center. At baseline, 3-month, and 6-month follow-ups, participants completed identical computerized questionnaires. We used generalized estimating equations to assess the average effect of past 2-wee

SUBMITTER: Gutkind S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8511227 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature