Gender moderates the association between distress tolerance and alcohol use among individuals with opioid use disorder.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol use among individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) can be dangerous, and understanding factors contributing to alcohol use in this population is important. The current study examined alcohol use among individuals with prescription OUD based on distress tolerance. It was hypothesized that individuals with greater distress tolerance abilities would have a lower frequency and quantity of alcohol use compared to individuals with less distress tolerance. It was also hypothesized that this association would differ based on gender.

METHODS: A total of 122 individuals with prescription OUD participated in the current study. Participants completed questionnaires regarding demographics, distress tolerance, mental health symptoms, and frequency and quantity of alcohol in the past 30 days. A regression model was conducted using the alcohol-related variables as outcomes.

RESULTS: There was a significant interaction between gender and distress tolerance on alcohol use frequency. Greater distress tolerance was associated with fewer alcohol use days in women, but there was no association between distress tolerance and alcohol use days in men.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that distress tolerance skills may be key to reducing alcohol use in women with prescription OUD.