Study Correlates Drinking Behavior with Marital Status

A joint study conducted by sociologists from the University of Cincinnati, Penn State University, Rutgers University and the University of Texas at Austin examined drinking behavior in married and divorced men and women, and uncovered some intriguing results.

While men consumed more drinks across all marital categories, women who were married were reported to consume significantly more drinks on average than those who were divorced or widowed.  Researchers determined that this was likely because married women were encouraged to consume more drinks by their husbands.

By contrast, recently divorced men were reported to consume significantly more drinks on average than their married counterparts.  While women turned to food of friends to comfort them in the aftermath of their divorces, men were more likely to rely on alcohol as a stress reliever.

Gendered differences in drinking behavior have cropped up in previous studies, but few have delved into the nature of connection between relationship status and drinking behavior.  This study highlights the demographic with highest risk for alcohol abuse, and possibly for DUI – divorced men.

The stress of a divorce can be overwhelming for some, causing them to turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication.  Unfortunately, alcohol consumption can lead to some high-risk behavior, such as getting behind the wheel of a car.  The last thing someone going through or recently having undergone a divorce needs is a DUI charge, so it is important to be cognizant of stress levels and behavioral changes.