TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2021//
TI  - Associations between substance use problems and stress during COVID-19
JO  - Journal of studies on alcohol and drugs
A1  - Vogel, Erin A.
A1  - Chieng, Amy
A1  - Robinson, Athena
A1  - Pajarito, Sarah
A1  - Prochaska, Judith J.
SP  - 776
EP  - 781
VL  - 82
IS  - 6
N2  - OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic has produced major life disruptions and increased stress. We explored associations between pandemic-related stress and substance use problems. <br><br>METHOD: Adults (N = 180; 65% female) with problematic substance use (CAGE-AID > 1) were recruited online June-August 2020. Measures included the 15-item Short Inventory of Problems-Alcohol and Drugs (SIP-AD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) seven-item anxiety measure, Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) eight-item depression measure, a three-item measure of pandemic life disruptions, a six-item measure of pandemic-related mental health effects, and a five-item measure of pandemic-related personal growth. Participants reported whether they frequented bars and attended large gatherings. Participants with children (<18 years of age) in the home completed a four-item measure of pandemic-related worry about children's well-being. Pandemic-related measures with significant bivariate associations with SIP-AD, GAD, and PHQ scores were tested in multivariable linear regression, adjusting for sex, age, and race/ethnicity. <br><br>RESULTS: Participants who struggled with responsibilities at home, had greater mental health impacts, had greater personal growth, and frequented bars or large gatherings had higher SIPAD scores (all ps <.05). Participants who struggled with responsibilities at home, had difficulty getting necessities, had greater mental health impacts, and worried more about their children had higher GAD-7 and PHQ-8 scores (all ps <.05). Participants who lost a job or income during the pandemic had higher PHQ-8 scores (p =.015). In multivariable analyses, greater mental health impacts were associated with higher SIP-AD, PHQ-8, and GAD-7 scores (all ps <.05). <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Experiencing worsened mental health symptoms during COVID-19 was associated with more substance use problems and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Pandemic disruptions may exacerbate preexisting substance use problems.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1937-1888
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/
ID  - ref1
ER  -