Modelling possible causality in the associations between unemployment, cannabis use, and alcohol misuse

Abstract

The present findings support both social causation and social selection arguments, by indicating that unemployment plays a causal role in substance misuse, and that it is also likely that a reverse causal process whereby substance misuse increases the risk of unemployment.

Long‐term effects of youth unemployment on alcohol‐related morbidity

“…Previous studies on risky alcohol intake and alcohol‐related problems have generally, but not consistently, demonstrated a positive association with youth unemployment . However, research has also found evidence for the reverse effect, as well as no effect . Consequently, the relationship between unemployment and alcohol is complex, as risky alcohol intake appears to be both a risk factor and a consequence of unemployment .…”

“…This may, in turn, trigger unhealthy coping strategies in order to deal with the increased stress, such as increased alcohol intake . Previous studies on risky alcohol intake and alcohol‐related problems have generally, but not consistently, demonstrated a positive association with youth unemployment . However, research has also found evidence for the reverse effect, as well as no effect .…”

“…However, research has also found evidence for the reverse effect, as well as no effect . Consequently, the relationship between unemployment and alcohol is complex, as risky alcohol intake appears to be both a risk factor and a consequence of unemployment .…”

“…In the current literature the DSM‐IV criteria for alcohol abuse and dependence have, to a great extent, been used to define the outcome of alcohol‐related problems among young people . Although the DSM‐IV criteria appear to be sensitive enough to detect differences in subgroups , criticisms have been directed towards using this tool to assess symptoms for an alcohol use disorder (alcohol abuse or dependence) among young people . Young people tend to report a higher prevalence of alcohol‐related problems compared to older age groups, making it difficult to establish if the measure captures clinically relevant aspects of alcohol use disorders or normative behaviour for this age group .…”

“…Furthermore, unlike previous research, the reference group will be full‐time students, as this is the most common labour force status in this age group (15–24 years). The majority of previous research has used either non‐unemployed or full‐time employed as the reference group which could influence the results, especially when considering the long‐term perspective . Non‐unemployed includes a wide variety of labour force status such as students, employed, conscripts or medically ill, and the full‐time employed in this age group will most probably have a low‐skilled or manual occupation.…”