Mental Health Symptoms and Alcohol Counseling Among Young Adults: Implications for Equitable Preventive Care

Derek S. Falk (), Christian A. Adeleke, Matheus Macena and André Faro
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Derek S. Falk: School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
Christian A. Adeleke: School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
Matheus Macena: Department of Psychology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe 49100, Brazil
André Faro: Department of Psychology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe 49100, Brazil

Societies, 2025, vol. 15, issue 12, 1-15

Abstract: Young adulthood is a critical period for preventing alcohol-related harm, as heavy drinking and mental health challenges often peak, yet preventive counseling remains underused. This study examined associations between depressive and anxious symptoms and receipt of alcohol-related advice from healthcare providers among U.S. young adults aged 18–29, with attention to differences across sexual identity groups. Data were drawn from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey, with a final analytic sample of participants aged 18–29 ( N = 2256). Weighted logistic regressions estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Overall, 49.0% of participants reported receiving alcohol advice. Odds were higher among lesbian/gay participants (aOR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.03–3.18) and those with severe anxiety symptoms (aOR = 2.10; 95% CI: 1.11–3.94). Interaction effects indicated disparities by sexual identity, with plurisexual males showing the lowest predicted probability of receiving advice when meeting the clinical threshold for anxiety (20.9% vs. 62.4% for monosexual individuals). The findings underscore the need to strengthen alcohol-related counseling and integrate mental health screening in preventive care for diverse young adult populations.

Keywords: alcohol counseling; young adults; depression; anxiety; sexual minorities; disparities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A13 A14 P P0 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 Z1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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