Citation

Karriker-Jaffe KJ, Au V, Frendo M, Mericle AA. J. Community Psychol. 2017; 45(5): 678-684.

Affiliation

Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/jcop.21881

PMID

28943675

PMCID

PMC5604867

Abstract

Residence in disadvantaged neighborhoods can amplify individual risk for adverse health conditions, including substance use disorders. Using data from a probability sample of problem drinkers in Northern California (N=616) interviewed at baseline and re-interviewed one year later, this study examines whether social support can buffer negative effects of neighborhood disadvantage on problem drinking. Living in a disadvantaged neighborhood increased the likelihood of problem drinking at follow-up (OR=2.33, p=0.015). Although baseline support for reducing drinking was unrelated to problem drinking at follow-up, there was a significant interaction between neighborhood disadvantage and support. Among those living in disadvantaged neighborhoods, baseline support significantly decreased the likelihood of problem drinking at follow-up (OR=0.19, p=0.048). Bolstering indigenous community resources where residents can interact with others in recovery or that foster sober activities may offset individual risk. Research is needed to determine whether this may also produce second-order neighborhood change.

Language: en

Keywords

alcohol; neighborhood disadvantage; poverty; problem drinking; social support