A Nordløkken1, H Pape2, T Heir3. 1. Norwegian Center for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Gullhaugvn. no 1-3, 0484 Oslo, Norway. Electronic address: astri.nordlokken@medisin.uio.no. 2. Norwegian Institute for Alcohol and Drug Research, PB 565 Sentrum, 0105 Oslo, Norway. Electronic address: hp@sirus.no. 3. Norwegian Center for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Gullhaugvn. no 1-3, 0484 Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, PB 1039 Blindern, 0315 Oslo, Norway. Electronic address: trond.heir@medisin.uio.no.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: In this study, we examined changes in alcohol consumption in the aftermath of a natural disaster, as well as possible predictors of both increased and decreased drinking. STUDY DESIGN: Observational longitudinal study. METHODS: Repatriated Norwegian adults who resided in areas affected by the 2004 Southeast Asia tsunami completed a questionnaire at 6 and 24 months postdisaster (N = 649). RESULTS: Weekly alcohol consumption and frequency of intoxication did not change significantly from 6 to 24 months postdisaster at the population level: 18.3% (n = 116) increased their alcohol consumption while 21.1% (n = 125) showed a reduction. Increased drinking was not predicted by severity of disaster exposure, post-traumatic stress, or measures of psychological functioning. Reduced alcohol consumption was predicted by younger age and social withdrawal, but not by any of the other study variables. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the tsunami experience had only minor effects on alcohol consumption, in contrast to some studies suggesting a relationship between trauma exposure and increased alcohol consumption.
OBJECTIVES: In this study, we examined changes in alcohol consumption in the aftermath of a natural disaster, as well as possible predictors of both increased and decreased drinking. STUDY DESIGN: Observational longitudinal study. METHODS: Repatriated Norwegian adults who resided in areas affected by the 2004 Southeast Asia tsunami completed a questionnaire at 6 and 24 months postdisaster (N = 649). RESULTS: Weekly alcohol consumption and frequency of intoxication did not change significantly from 6 to 24 months postdisaster at the population level: 18.3% (n = 116) increased their alcohol consumption while 21.1% (n = 125) showed a reduction. Increased drinking was not predicted by severity of disaster exposure, post-traumatic stress, or measures of psychological functioning. Reduced alcohol consumption was predicted by younger age and social withdrawal, but not by any of the other study variables. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the tsunami experience had only minor effects on alcohol consumption, in contrast to some studies suggesting a relationship between trauma exposure and increased alcohol consumption.
Authors: Rowan P Ogeil; Debbie Scott; Agatha Faulkner; James Wilson; Naomi Beard; Karen Smith; Victoria Manning; Dan I Lubman Journal: Lancet Reg Health West Pac Date: 2021-07-23
Authors: Robyn Molyneaux; Lisa Gibbs; Richard A Bryant; Cathy Humphreys; Kelsey Hegarty; Connie Kellett; H Colin Gallagher; Karen Block; Louise Harms; John F Richardson; Nathan Alkemade; David Forbes Journal: BJPsych Open Date: 2019-12-04