A new analysis of 55 long-term studies looked at what factors influence the two-way relationship between anxiety and alcohol use. The review found that age plays a role: older age strengthened the link between anxiety and drinking. On the other hand, having positive family experiences and perceiving that peers drink less weakened the connection. Externalizing behaviors, like acting out, also weakened the link. The strongest factor was experimental anxiety, which made the anxiety-alcohol link much stronger.
However, the evidence for many other possible influences was mixed and not conclusive. The studies were observational, so they cannot prove that one thing causes another. Also, the quality of the studies was not always high.
What does this mean for you? The findings suggest that certain personal and social factors, like age and peer influence, may affect how anxiety and alcohol use are related. But more research is needed to understand these connections better. If you are concerned about anxiety or drinking, talk to a healthcare provider.