Emerging adulthood is often a time of problematic alcohol use as young adults develop a more independent lifestyle and encounter new external stressors. Emotional disorders are also correlated with an increased risk of developing problematic alcohol use. Additionally, problematic alcohol use in the context of emotional disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, is associated with poorer functional and treatment outcomes. Another factor that has been associated with higher rates of problematic alcohol use is pain intensity. Alcohol may be used to reduce negative affect associated with pain and emotional disorders. This study examines the impact of obsessive-compulsive symptoms and pain intensity on alcohol consumption and risky alcohol use among young adults.
The study’s sample consisted of 198 college students from a large, southwestern university who reported problematic alcohol use. Participants completed the Obsessive Compulsive Inventory- Revised (OCI-R) survey to measure obsessive-compulsive symptoms including hoarding, checking, neutralizing, obsessing, ordering, and washing. Students also completed the Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS) which assessed pain-related intensity and disability. Lastly, respondents were assessed for problematic alcohol use, risky use of other substances such as cannabis and tobacco, and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Data was analyzed using zero-order correlations and hierarchical regressions.
Results of the data analysis showed alcohol consumption, but not risky alcohol use, was significantly related to obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Pain intensity was not correlated with alcohol consumption, risky alcohol use, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The moderation analysis indicated that obsessive-compulsive symptoms were related to higher levels of alcohol consumption among young adults with higher but not lower levels of pain intensity. In addition, obsessive-compulsive symptoms were associated with higher rates of risky alcohol use among those who reported higher but not lower levels of pain intensity.
Takeaway: The interaction between pain intensity and obsessive-compulsive symptoms may impact alcohol consumption and risky alcohol use behaviors among young adults.