The Role of Stress, Trauma, and Negative Affect in Alcohol Misuse and Alcohol Use Disorder in Women

Course overview

This article addresses the emerging public health crisis of alcohol misuse and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the United States, focusing on recent increases in binge drinking, heavy drinking, and AUD prevalence among women. Historically more prevalent in men, AUD rates have risen notably in women over the past decade. The paper explores key psychosocial and psychological factors such as stress, trauma, childhood maltreatment, negative affect, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders, highlighting their differing impacts on alcohol misuse and AUD development in women compared to men. Additionally, it investigates potential biological mechanisms through which these factors, including chronic stress states like depression and anxiety, may contribute to alcohol misuse and AUD onset in women. The article concludes by discussing gaps in current research on sex-specific pathways to AUD and underscores the need for further study to inform effective prevention and treatment strategies tailored to women's unique experiences and vulnerabilities.