Adolescent Substance Abuse Articles
A Woman's family may influence alcoholism and depression
By Staff Writer
The results of a new study on addiction in families reveal that a woman's environment may have an impact on her risk of developing alcoholism, depression and behavioral issues as she ages.
Researchers from the University of Michigan Health System analyzed data from the ongoing Michigan Longitudinal Study, which included information on a group of 273 adult women and their families. This research was conducted over a 12-year period which covered the early years of marriage and motherhood.
For the study, researchers examined the effects family life, personal histories and neighborhood instability had on the female participants' symptoms of alcoholism, antisocial behavior and depression.
It was found that partners who struggled with addiction and antisocial behavior had a more negative impact on the women's symptoms and behaviors. In addition, the different behaviors of participants' children also had an impact. If a child was getting into trouble, the mothers' alcohol problems worsened. When children were sad, the mothers' depression intensified.
These findings challenge the belief that alcoholism, depression and antisocial behavior are the result of genetic disorders. In addition, researchers believe that for high risk populations of women, depression can worsen overtime. In these instances, treatment from mental health and drug rehab facilities may be beneficial to women with small children.
