What is the Link Between Unemployment and Alcohol Use?

Youth unemployment has remained stable at a high-level in many countries over the past several decades.

Over the same period, evidence has emerged which suggests that unemployment can negatively affect an individual’s mental and physical health.

This, in turn, makes unemployment a significant public health issue.

Previous studies have shown the relationship between unemployment and alcohol use, in particular, to be a complex one, suggesting the former to be both a consequence and a cause of the latter.

In an effort to enhance our understanding of this relationship, a new Swedish-based longitudinal study - published this week in the Journal Addiction - considers the link between unemployment in early adulthood and alcohol-related death later in life.

The study used a sample of around 17000 Swedish individuals. The average follow-up time was 22 years.

It found a positive correlation between the two factors, such that, when compared with full-time students, people who experienced short- and long-term spells of unemployment during early adulthood were more likely to suffer an alcohol-related death later in life.

To explore these findings in more detail, along with the strengths and weaknesses of the study, please follow the link below.