Meta-analysis of depression and substance use among individuals with alcohol use disorders

Abstract

The relationships of depression with alcohol and drug use and impairment were examined. Additional analyses were conducted to examine moderators of these associations. Empirical reports on adults with alcohol abuse or dependence published in English in peer-reviewed journals since 1986 that contained data on depression and substance use variable(s) were obtained using a systematic search. The search yielded 74 studies including 58 reports from clinical venues, 10 that were community-based, and 6 with subjects from both settings. As hypothesized, the analyses showed that depression is associated with concurrent alcohol use and impairment and drug use and impairment. Effect sizes were small. Depression was also related to future alcohol use and impairment, an earlier age of onset of an AUD, and higher treatment participation. Age moderated the association between depression and alcohol use and impairment such that the association was stronger in older samples.

A Systematic Review of Physical Activity Correlates in Alcohol Use Disorders

“…This is a significant gap in the rehabilitation literature, given that alcohol use disorders are associated with increased mental and physical morbidity [15,16] which may result in impairments that could interfere with the ability to be physically active.…”

Craving and Indicators of Depression and Anxiety Levels in Different Time Points of Intensive Alcohol Dependence Treatment

“…It seems, also after a vast survey of relevant literature that analyses of relations between craving and perceived depression/anxiety are relatively very rare, especially in the framework of longitudinal, time points approach. Yet some of the studies addressed perceived depression/anxiety as a significant predictor of alcohol relapse, as well as the relation between perceived depression/anxiety and drinking, which is strongly mediated by alcohol craving (Conner et al, 2009). The craving module of the combined behavioural intervention (Witkiewitz et al, 2011) and Mindfulness-based relapse prevention were found to weaken the relation between perceived depression/anxiety and heavy drinking by fostering greater decreases in craving during treatment (Witkiewitz & Bowen, 2010).…”

Safety and Tolerability of Pharmacological Treatment of Alcohol Dependence: Comprehensive Review of Evidence

“…The prevalence of depression co-occurrence has been found to range from 24%-48% in alcohol dependent men and women respectively, and ranges from 50-70% in clinical samples [71], but following detoxification and abstinence this substantially reduces [72]. Although the recommendation [4,8] is to wait until the patient is 3-4 weeks abstinent from alcohol to reassess mood and need for treatment, both conditions often need to be addressed concurrently.…”