Change In Alcohol Use And Association With Positive And Negative Emotions: Results From An Alcohol Treatment Study With Hepatitis C Patients

The interplay between positive and negative emotions during alcohol treatment is complex. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between alcohol reductions and changes in positive and negative emotions across a one-year period. Chronic HCV patients (n = 174) with alcohol use received brief alcohol counseling and were encouraged to address their alcohol use. Participants completed the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS)-Short Form, the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, and the Alcohol Timeline Follow-back at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months. Decreases in alcohol use were related to decreased negative emotions from baseline to 3 months, baseline to 6 months and baseline to 12 months. Decreases in alcohol use were associated with increased positive emotions from baseline to 12 months but not sooner.