Dynamic Associations Between Anxiety Symptoms and Drinking Behavior From Early Adolescence to Young Adulthood

Research is inconclusive with respect to the possible risk-increasing effect of anxiety symptoms on heavy drinking behavior among adolescents and young adults. Adult role transitions and changes in the social context from early adolescence into young adulthood may impact the association between anxiety symptoms and alcohol use.

The TRacking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey, including 2,229 individuals at baseline, was used to evaluate the bi-directional and longitudinal associations between anxiety symptoms and alcohol use, using data at 14, 16, 19, 22, and 25 years of age.

Cross-lagged models revealed a relatively stable negative association at 14, 16, and 19 years, showing that relatively higher anxiety symptoms were associated with relatively lower drinking levels three years later. This effect was absent in young adulthood. There was no evidence for significant associations between alcohol use and subsequent anxiety symptoms, with the exception of alcohol use at age 19, which predicted relatively lower levels of anxiety symptoms at age 22.

Overall, the results indicated that anxiety symptoms may withhold adolescents from (heavy) drinking, although this protective effect disappeared in young adulthood. Transitions in social contexts as well as autonomy and adult responsibilities could underlie the changing association between alcohol use and anxiety symptoms throughout adolescence and young adulthood.