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Perceptions of the Use of Alcohol and Drugs after Sudden Bereavement by Unnatural Causes: Analysis of Online Qualitative Data

Author

Listed:
  • Lauren Drabwell

    (UCL Centre for Behaviour Change, Research Department of Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 7HB, UK)

  • Jessica Eng

    (UCL Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, 26 Bedford Way, London WC1H 0AP, UK)

  • Fiona Stevenson

    (UCL Research Department of Primary Care & Population Health, Rowland Hill St, London NW3 2PF, UK)

  • Michael King

    (UCL Division of Psychiatry, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7NF, UK
    Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, St Pancras Hospital, London NW1 0PE, UK)

  • David Osborn

    (UCL Division of Psychiatry, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7NF, UK
    Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, St Pancras Hospital, London NW1 0PE, UK)

  • Alexandra Pitman

    (UCL Division of Psychiatry, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7NF, UK
    Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, St Pancras Hospital, London NW1 0PE, UK)

Abstract

Bereavement is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric morbidity and all-cause mortality, particularly in younger people and after unnatural deaths. Substance misuse is implicated but little research has investigated patterns of drug or alcohol use after bereavement. We used a national online survey to collect qualitative data describing whether and how substance use changes after sudden bereavement. We conducted thematic analysis of free-text responses to a question probing use of alcohol and drugs after the sudden unnatural (non-suicide) death of a family member or a close friend. We analysed data from 243 adults in British Higher Education Institutions aged 18–40, identifying two main themes describing post-bereavement alcohol or drug use: (1) sense of control over use of drugs or alcohol (loss of control versus self-discipline), (2) harnessing the specific effects of drugs or alcohol. Across themes we identified age patterning in relation to substance misuse as a form of rebellion among those bereaved in childhood, and gender patterning in relation to men using alcohol to help express their emotions. The limitations of our sampling mean that these findings may not be generalizable from highly-educated settings to young people in the general population. Our findings describe how some young bereaved adults use drugs and alcohol to help them cope with traumatic loss, and suggest how clinicians might respond to any difficulties controlling substance use.

Suggested Citation

  • Lauren Drabwell & Jessica Eng & Fiona Stevenson & Michael King & David Osborn & Alexandra Pitman, 2020. "Perceptions of the Use of Alcohol and Drugs after Sudden Bereavement by Unnatural Causes: Analysis of Online Qualitative Data," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-16, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:3:p:677-:d:311303
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jessica Eng & Lauren Drabwell & Fiona Stevenson & Michael King & David Osborn & Alexandra Pitman, 2019. "Use of Alcohol and Unprescribed Drugs after Suicide Bereavement: Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-12, October.
    2. Elwert, F. & Christakis, N.A., 2008. "The effect of widowhood on mortality by the causes of death of both spouses," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 98(11), pages 2092-2098.
    3. Pitman, Alexandra L. & Stevenson, Fiona & Osborn, David P.J. & King, Michael B., 2018. "The stigma associated with bereavement by suicide and other sudden deaths: A qualitative interview study," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 198(C), pages 121-129.
    4. Shah, S.M. & Carey, I.M. & Harris, T. & DeWilde, S. & Victor, C.R. & Cook, D.G., 2013. "The effect of unexpected bereavement on mortality in older couples," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(6), pages 1140-1145.
    5. Alexandra Pitman & Khadija Rantell & Louise Marston & Michael King & David Osborn, 2017. "Perceived Stigma of Sudden Bereavement as a Risk Factor for Suicidal Thoughts and Suicide Attempt: Analysis of British Cross-Sectional Survey Data on 3387 Young Bereaved Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-12, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Lucía Moure-Rodríguez & Francisco Caamano-Isorna, 2020. "We Need to Delay the Age of Onset of Alcohol Consumption," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-6, April.
    2. Amanda Popolino Diniz & Raquel de Deus Mendonça & George Luiz Lins Machado-Coelho & Adriana Lúcia Meireles, 2024. "The Interaction between Education and Sex with Alcohol Consumption during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Two Brazilian Cities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(6), pages 1-12, June.
    3. Alexandra Pitman & Fiona Stevenson & David Osborn, 2022. "Investigating Whether Bereavement by Suicide and Other Unnatural Causes Has a Deterrent Effect on Alcohol or Drug Use in Young Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-11, October.

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