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In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new study has shed light on the concerning relationship between anxiety sensitivity and problem drinking among young adults. The study, published in the Journal of American College Health, highlights how individuals with anxiety sensitivity—defined as the fear of experiencing anxiety symptoms and their perceived negative consequences—turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism, potentially exacerbating their struggles.
Anxiety Sensitivity and Alcohol Use
Prior to the pandemic, research had already established a link between anxiety and alcohol consumption. However, the unique stressors of global lockdowns, uncertainty, and isolation further fueled this relationship. According to the study, young adults with high anxiety sensitivity were particularly vulnerable to using alcohol as a way to manage their fears, leading to an increased risk of problematic drinking.
Interestingly, the study found that anxiety sensitivity itself predicted higher alcohol use, though not necessarily in a way that significantly interfered with school or work. Instead, heavy drinking was more closely linked to perceived stress and motives such as drinking for enhancement or sociability.
Unexpected Findings
Lead author Charlotte Corran, a Ph.D. candidate in psychology at Concordia University, noted that researchers were surprised by one particular result. “We were surprised to find that perceived stress did not explain the link between anxiety sensitivity and problem drinking,” Corran explained. This suggests that individuals with high anxiety sensitivity may be at risk of drinking to cope regardless of their stress levels.
The study speculates that the already heightened vigilance to stress among anxiety-sensitive individuals meant that the pandemic did not introduce anything significantly different in their stress levels. “For those cases, the pandemic didn’t add anything new: ‘I’m already stressed all the time, so this isn’t anything different,'” Corran added.
Study Methodology
The study analyzed data from 143 undergraduate students collected between May 2020 and April 2021. Researchers used several self-report measures to assess participants’ anxiety sensitivity, perceived stress levels, and drinking behaviors. These included:
- A 16-point Anxiety Sensitivity Index questionnaire
- A four-item Perceived Stress Scale
- A 28-item Modified Drinking Motives Questionnaire
- A 24-item Problem Drinking Behavior questionnaire
Participants also reported the number of drinks they consumed during a typical week since the start of the pandemic. The results showed that those with higher anxiety sensitivity were more likely to drink for reasons related to coping with anxiety or depression.
Implications for Mental Health and Treatment
The findings provide valuable insights into the psychological mechanisms behind problem drinking and can inform clinical interventions. “These findings will continue to inform clinical practice, intervention, psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and efforts to find more adaptive coping strategies beyond alcohol consumption,” Corran stated.
By better understanding the cognitive patterns associated with problematic drinking, mental health professionals can develop targeted strategies to help individuals at risk. The study underscores the importance of early intervention, especially for those with high anxiety sensitivity, to prevent alcohol misuse and its negative consequences.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or psychological advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use or mental health concerns, please seek professional help from a qualified healthcare provider.
