Are Drinking Motives Universal? Characteristics of Motive Types in Alcohol-Dependent Men from Two Diverse Populations

Abstract

Background and AimsSince alcohol use disorders are among the most prevalent and destructive mental disorders, it is critical to address factors contributing to their development and maintenance. Drinking motives are relevant driving factors for consumption. Identifying groups of drinkers with similar motivations may help to specialize intervention components and make treatment more effective and efficient. We aimed to identify and describe distinct motive types of drinkers in dependent males from two diverse cultures (Uganda and Germany) and to explore potential differences and similarities in addiction-related measures. Moreover, we investigated specific links between motive types and childhood maltreatment, traumatic experiences, and symptoms of comorbid psychopathologies.MethodsTo determine distinct drinking motive types, we conducted latent class analyses concerning drinking motives (Drinking Motive Scale) in samples of treatment-seeking alcohol-dependent men (N = 75). Subsequently we compared the identified motive types concerning their alcohol consumption and alcohol-related symptoms (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), history of childhood maltreatment (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire), trauma exposure (Violence, War and Abduction Exposure Scale), psychopathology (Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale, Depression-section of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist, and Brief Symptom Inventory) and deficits in emotion regulation (Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale).ResultsWe found two congruent drinking motive types in both contexts. Reward-oriented drinking motives like the generation of positive feelings and enhancing performance were endorsed almost equally by both motive types, whereas high relief motive endorsement characterized one group, but not the other. The relief motive type drank to overcome aversive feelings, withdrawal, and daily hassles and was characterized by higher adversity in general. Emotional maltreatment in childhood and psychopathological symptoms were reported to a significantly greater extent by relief drinkers (effect sizes of comparisons ranging from r = 0.25 to r = 0.48). However, the motive types did not differ significantly on alcohol consumption or alcohol-related symptoms and traumatic experiences apart from childhood maltreatment.ConclusionThe chronology of addiction development and patterns of drinking motivation seem to be similar across cultures, i.e., that motive targeting interventions might be applicable cross-culturally. Addressing comorbid symptomatology should be a key treatment component for relief drinkers, whereas finding alternatives for the creation of positive feelings and ways to counteract boredom and inactivity should be a general treatment element.

“This Is the Result of Something Else”: Experiences of Men That Abused Drugs and Had Experienced Childhood Trauma

“…The long-term effects of traumatic childhood experiences on the participants’ mental health were evident, as illustrated by their symptoms of depression, PTSD, and addiction. These findings are in line with previous research demonstrating an increased likelihood of experiencing poor mental health when individuals are violated or otherwise abused during childhood ( Ai et al, 2016 ; Ertl et al, 2018 ).…”

“…It is important to look at what drives people to abuse drugs and develop addiction. Previous research show that childhood trauma can lead to various problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) ( Konkolÿ Thege et al, 2017 ) and drug abuse ( Ai et al, 2016 ; Ertl et al, 2018 ).…”

Use of Alcohol and Addictive Drugs During the COVID-19 Outbreak: Associations with Mental Health and Pandemic-Related Problems

“…Thus, use of alcohol appears to be relatively independent from external circumstances. As demonstrated by Ertl and colleagues [20], alcohol use in the context of mental health problems may be linked with relief-oriented motives for drinking, as opposed to reward-oriented motives. In their study, more psychopathology was associated with relief-oriented drinking motives.…”

Daily use of alcohol among persons in the Norwegian general population: Prevalence and associated factors

“…The higher odds of daily drinking among persons who reported current psychological distress is also consistent with previous findings. Considering the coping [4] or relief [5] motives for drinking, there is a logical chain from experiencing psychological distress to seeking remedy and relief from difficult emotions by high-frequent use of alcohol. Longitudinal population studies have also been in support of this line of reasoning, suggesting that alcohol may be used as an attempt to self-medicate among persons with high psychological symptom levels [6].…”

“…Further, a recent study of men with alcohol dependence differentiated between two types of drinking motives, reward-oriented versus relief-oriented drinking [5], and found that childhood emotional maltreatment and psychopathological symptoms were more frequently reported among relieforiented drinkers. A longitudinal perspective on examining associations between heavy drinking and psychological symptoms was applied in a Finnish study [6].…”