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Grief, alcohol dependence and women
1Alcohol and Drug Service Unit, Health Department Victoria, Australia.
A comparison was made between similar age-grouped widows (N = 37) and non-widows (N = 85) who were admitted to an alcohol dependence unit for treatment. The widows reported excess drinking to have occurred less frequently in close relatives and more frequently in their late spouses as compared to the non-widowed females. Widows also had significantly different referral patterns. The findings suggest that the widows of alcoholics who had unresolved marital conflicts, or who become socially isolated are more vulnerable to abnormal grief responses. Prospective studies are required to verify this pilot survey.
A comparison was made between similar age-grouped widows (N = 37) and non-widows (N = 85) who were admitted to an alcohol dependence unit for treatment. The widows reported excess drinking to have occurred less frequently in close relatives and more frequently in their late spouses as compared to the non-widowed females. Widows also had significantly different referral patterns. The findings suggest that the widows of alcoholics who had unresolved marital conflicts, or who become socially isolated are more vulnerable to abnormal grief responses. Prospective studies are required to verify this pilot survey.