Those exposed as a child to psychological trauma brought by other people, such as sexual assault, and physical assault, are more likely to engage in risky alcohol behavior in college.

But a longitudinal study reveals that effects of trauma on drinking habits could be lessened when they have romantic relationships.

The study, entitled "'A Longitudinal Study of the Moderating Effects of Romantic Relationships on the Associations Between Alcohol Use and Trauma in College Students" published in the journal Addiction, was led by researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Effects of Trauma in Drinking Habits of College Students Can Be Lessened By Having Romantic Relationships, [STUDY]
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Couple drinking red wine.

Romantic Relationships Help Blur the Effects of Trauma

The study investigates the role of romantic relationships in mitigating or exacerbating the effects of trauma exposure on alcohol use among college students, Devdiscourse reported.

The researchers found that involvement in relationships and not relationship satisfaction reduce the effects of interpersonal trauma exposure (IPT) on alcohol use among college students.

On the other hand, not everyone who experiences interpersonal trauma went on to have problems in drinking habits, which raised the question of the possible factors that are responsible for trauma and alcohol use.

Furthermore, the study explores whether relationship status, relationship satisfaction, and partner alcohol use to see whether they could influence the effects of trauma on the drinking habits of college students.

Rebecca Smith, the lead author of the study and a doctoral student in the Department of Psychology of the College of Humanities and Sciences, said that the findings could help clear the ways romantic relationships influence health habits.

She added that understanding the way social relationships affect health habits could encourage people to choose with whom do they spend time. Also, it sheds light on the link between alcohol use risk and protective factors across the lifespan.

Study senior author Jessica Salvatore, Ph.D. said that the study highlights the double-edged role of relationships and partners on the health behaviors of college students.

On the one hand, involvement in romantic relationships could mitigate the effects of trauma, but also the involvement with a healthy drinker partner could amplify the link between trauma exposure and alcohol use.

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Trauma Exposure Could Lead to Alcohol Abuse

A psychological trauma could give a person anxiety, depression, and irritability. One way they cope with these is through drinking alcohol.

In a survey of adolescents who received treatment for substance use, 70% of them said they have a history of trauma. Good Therapy reported that teenagers who experienced physical and sexual abuse were three times likely to have problems in alcohol use and 59% of those with PTSD could develop substance abuse disorders.

Moreover, about 60% to 80% of Vietnam veterans seeking PTSD treatment reported that they have alcohol use issues and tend to binge drink when they remember their trauma.

People exposed to trauma often turn to alcohol and other substances to manage their anxieties and emotions when they are reminded of their traumas. Initially, alcohol could provide relief as it makes the brain release endorphins that numb physical and emotional events.

However, using substances and alcohol regularly to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression is a dangerous cycle, to begin with. Effective treatment of trauma is necessary to cope with its effects.

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