Examining Spouse/Partner Presence as a Moderator in the Relationship Between Mental Health Symptoms and Alcohol use in OEF/OIF Veterans

There were 325 OEF/OIF Veterans who completed questionnaires designed to examine whether presence of a spouse or partner buffers the relationship between mental health symptoms and alcohol consumption. Results found that depression was positively associated with drinking for those without a partner, but not those with a partner. Presence of a partner did not buffer the association between PTSD symptoms and alcohol use.