Predictors of Psychological and Physiological Stress during Inpatient Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder

ABSTRACT

Stress can negatively affect recovery from alcohol use disorder. In this study, the authors examined factors that may predict levels of perceived and physiological stress during inpatient treatment. Predictors included pretreatment quantity/frequency of drinking, alcohol use expectancies, and family history of alcohol use disorder. Patients with higher cortisol levels endorsed fewer positive alcohol expectancies, whereas those with a greater family history of alcohol use disorder and higher pretreatment drinking perceived greater stress. Gender and length of abstinence were not significant influences. These findings provide a glimpse into subjective perceptions and physiological indicators of stress during inpatient treatment and could have implications for successful recovery strategies.

KEYWORDS:

• perceived stress
• alcohol use disorder
• cortisol
• treatment

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the treatment facilities at which data were collected. We are particularly grateful for the tireless support of graduate student Mr. Kevin Lewis. Special thanks to Dr. Reiko Graham of the Health Psychophysiology Laboratory at Texas State University and the student researchers who assisted with the study (Brian Allen, Joanna Baugh, William Fisher, Laura Kaufman, and Sarah Smart). We are also grateful to Dr. Judith Easton for statistical consultation.

Funding

Funding for this study was provided by the Department of Psychology at Texas State University.

Additional information

Funding

Funding for this study was provided by the Department of Psychology at Texas State University.