Covid-19 Restrictions and Substance Use: The Effects of Lockdown Orders on Symptoms and Relapse of Alcohol Use Disorders
Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The author investigates how the COVID 19 lockdown has affected individuals with alcohol use problems and alcohol use disorders. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and address the effects the COVID 19 lockdown orders had on the symptoms of alcohol use and alcohol relapse. A total of 437 participants ranging from 18 – 65+ years of age, come from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, as well as educational levels. Announcements included a link to a survey to participate in the study, were e-mailed to clients and posted on LinkedIn and Facebook, and a link was sent to a targeted SurveyMonkey audience. Three questionnaires were combined to create a 43-question survey. The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test: Self-Report Version (AUDIT) is a 10-item screening tool used to assess alcohol consumption, drinking behavior, and alcohol-related problems in adults. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is a psychological tool used for measuring an individual’s perception of stress. The remaining 22 questions addressed socio-demographic characteristics and behavioral indicators. SPSS database was used to analyze data. Results found the strongest positive correlations to the AUDIT were participant’s alcohol intake before the COVID-19 lockdown, how often the participant drank alcohol as a way to cope with the stress, alcohol being the first thing they thought of when feeling stressed, and how much alcohol is consumed while feeling stressed. The PSS moderately correlated with the AUDIT, when feeling stressed, how often the participant drank alcohol as a way to cope with the stress, alcohol being the first thing they thought of when feeling stressed, and how much alcohol is consumed while feeling stressed. The findings concluded that stress caused by the COVID-19 lockdown were factors in alcohol use disorder and alcohol relapse.
Description
item.page.type
Thesis
item.page.format
Keywords
COVID-19 lockdown, Stress, Alcohol use, Relapse/re-occurring use, Adults