Alcohol Use Disorder in New parents

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? NE
Is it more common among new parents? New parenthood doesn't cause AUD; previous drinking patterns and postpartum changes matter
Are new parents at higher risk? Contextually important
How much higher is the risk? NE
How often can it be missed? Very High
Does it show up differently among new parents? Yes
How might it look different? Alcohol used to unwind/sleep after childcare; return to prepregnancy drinking; parenting consequences may become salient
What commonly occurs alongside it? Depression; anxiety
What can it be confused with? Occasional coping drinking vs AUD; postpartum depression
Common screening tool AUDIT
Separate screening tool for new parents None
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