Alcohol Use Disorder in People Coping with Grief or Loss

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? NE
Is it more common among people coping with grief or loss? Bereavement/widowhood can increase AUD onset risk
Are people coping with grief or loss at higher risk? Yes
How much higher is the risk? Swedish study: widowhood → first AUD registration HR 3.85 men; 4.10 women
How often can it be missed? Very High
Does it show up differently among people coping with grief or loss? Strong Yes contextually
How might it look different? Drinking to numb grief, sleep or manage loneliness can transition from coping behaviour to AUD
What commonly occurs alongside it? MDD; prolonged grief; anxiety
What can it be confused with? Grief-related temporary increase in drinking vs AUD; MDD
Common screening tool AUDIT
Separate screening tool for people coping with grief or loss None

Most often taken Self-Assessments

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