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Alcohol and substance use in multiple sclerosis.
Meghan Beier1, Vanessa D'Orio2, Jessica Spat2
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Box 359612, 325 9th Ave., Seattle, WA 98104, United States.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|January 14, 2014
Summary
Prevalence of alcohol and drug use in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients was examined. Excessive alcohol use was common, linked to younger age, higher education, and male gender, while drug use was minimal but associated with greater disability and depression.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Substance Use Disorders
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Limited research exists on alcohol and drug use prevalence in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- This study investigates substance use patterns in an East Coast US outpatient MS cohort.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of alcohol and drug use in individuals with MS.
- To identify demographic, disease-related, and psychological factors associated with substance use in MS.
Main Methods:
- 157 individuals with MS completed validated questionnaires including AUDIT-C, CAGE, CAGE-AID, PHQ-9, BDI-II, and HADS-A.
- Data collection occurred prior to, during, or after appointments with an MS neurologist.
Main Results:
- 40% of MS patients exceeded the threshold for excessive alcohol use (AUDIT-C), associated with higher education and younger age.
- 6% reported a lifetime history of excessive alcohol use (CAGE), with higher rates in men.
- 4% reported drug use (CAGE-AID), linked to increased disability and depression, but lower anxiety.
Conclusions:
- Current excessive alcohol consumption is prevalent in MS patients, particularly among men, younger individuals, and those with higher education.
- Reported drug use is infrequent but correlated with greater MS-related disability and depressive symptoms, alongside reduced anxiety.
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