A Qualitative Study of Gender-Based Pathways to Problem Drinking in Dublin, Ireland

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Psychology

Background:

• High rates of alcohol-related harm persist in the European Union, with Ireland experiencing this for over two decades.
• Understanding the nuanced pathways to alcohol use disorders (AUDs) is essential for effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine gender-based pathways to alcohol use disorders.
• To contextualize high rates of alcohol-related harm using data from individuals in recovery.
• To explore the lived experiences of problem drinking and recovery midway through a 20-year trend.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving 16 informants (9 men, 7 women) interviewed in Dublin, Ireland.
• Interviews conducted between 1998 and 1999, focusing on experiences of problem drinking and recovery.
• Reflective accounts of informants' journeys with alcohol use disorders.

Main Results:

• Common pathways to problem drinking included drinking expectancies, pub socialization, social anxiety, and perceived social pressure.
• Distinct drinking contexts were identified: men predominantly drank in pubs, while women drank at home.
• Barriers to accepting problematic drinking included pub norms and gendered shame; support groups offered new social networks and coping strategies.

Conclusions:

• Understanding drinking expectancies, social contexts, and gender ideologies is key to addressing harmful drinking.
• Cultural meanings of drinking behaviors and feelings of isolation require attention, especially during economic uncertainty.
• Interventions should consider gendered experiences and social factors influencing alcohol use disorders.