Evaluating anxiety sensitivity, exposure to aversive life conditions, and problematic drinking in Russia: a test using an epidemiological sample

The present study evaluated the main and interactive effects of anxiety sensitivity (AS) and exposure to aversive conditions in terms of their association with alcohol consumption and problems in an epidemiologically defined sample from Russia (N=345). Results revealed a positive association between stress exposure and problematic drinking. The findings also indicated that individuals with low anxiety sensitivity evidence more problematic drinking if they were exposed to more aversive conditions. In contrast, individuals with high anxiety sensitivity reported less problematic drinking if they were exposed to more aversive conditions. Although these findings are only partially consistent with original prediction, they suggest a novel, potentially important interplay between the processes that contribute to alcohol use problems among individuals susceptible to anxiety psychopathology.