Abstract Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and hazardous drinking remain significant problems in military‐connected populations. Prior research suggests that specific PTSD symptom clusters may relate differently to hazardous drinking behaviors, but longitudinal data are limited, especially among reservists. Methods Using a subset of data ( N = 485 US Army Reserve/National Guard soldiers) from the Operation: SAFETY study, we examined the longitudinal associations between PTSD symptom clusters (re‐experiencing, avoidance, negative cognitions and mood, hyperarousal) and domains of hazardous drinking (consumption, dependence, alcohol‐related problems) measured by the AUDIT. We used generalized estimating equation models adjusting for anxiety and depression, and interactions with biological sex were tested. Results Controlling for the effects of time and anxiety and depression symptomatology, re‐experiencing symptoms were not associated with any domains of hazardous drinking ( p s >0.05). Greater avoidance symptoms ( p 0.05). There was a significant interaction between symptoms of hyperarousal and sex on alcohol‐related problems ( p < 0.01), such that greater symptoms of hyperarousal were associated with greater alcohol‐related problems over time among male soldiers, but not female soldiers. Conclusions Findings suggest that specific PTSD symptom clusters, rather than overall severity, may influence hazardous drinking. These effects primarily manifest in consumption behaviors and alcohol‐related problems, with greater risk observed among male soldiers experiencing hyperarousal features of PTSD.
Hoopsick et al. (Thu,) studied this question.