Purpose: The current study investigated hazardous drinking and alcohol use disorders among 453 family caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD).
Method: We examined the prevalence of hazardous drinking and its relationship with emotion regulation and coping strategies (problem-solving, social support, and avoidance) using data from the first wave of a longitudinal study on daily ADRD caregiving experiences. A binary logistic regression model was performed to predict the relationship between potential risk factors and hazardous drinking.
Results: Findings revealed that 18.1% of ADRD caregivers screened positive for hazardous drinking based on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption. Caregivers experiencing greater difficulties in emotion regulation and greater reliance on avoidance as a coping strategy were at higher risk of screening positive for hazardous drinking.
Conclusion: These findings stress the importance of targeted interventions to improve emotion regulation and reduce avoidance coping in ADRD caregivers, ultimately enhancing their well-being. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 17(2), 81-90.].