Journal
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION
Volume 21, Issue 2, Pages 767-782Publisher
SPRINGER
DOI: 10.1007/s11469-021-00620-0
Keywords
COVID-19; Posttraumatic stress disorder; Veterans; Alcohol; Cannabis
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The COVID-19 pandemic might have a compounding effect on the substance use of American veterans with PTSD. These veterans may increase their alcohol and cannabis use to cope with the stress related to the pandemic. Clinicians should be aware of the increased substance use among this group during and after the pandemic and implement interventions accordingly.
The COVID-19 pandemic may have a compounding effect on the substance use of American veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study investigated the relationship between PTSD and current reactions to COVID-19 on alcohol and cannabis use among veterans who completed a survey 1 month prior to the pandemic in the USA and a 6-month follow-up survey. We hypothesized that veterans with PTSD would experience more negative reactions to COVID-19 and increased alcohol and cannabis use behaviors over those without PTSD. Veterans with PTSD prior to the pandemic, relative to those without, endorsed poorer reactions, greater frequency of alcohol use, and greater cannabis initiation and use during the pandemic. Veterans with PTSD may use substances to manage COVID-related stress. Clinicians may see an increase in substance use among this group during and after the pandemic and may need to implement specific behavioral interventions to mitigate the negative effects of COVID-19.
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