Effects of racial discrimination on unhealthy alcohol use and distress related to the george floyd murder among u.s. veterans

On May 25, 2020 George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer leading to increased social justice and antiracism movements across the United States. Although increases in unhealthy alcohol use due to COVID-19 during this time period have been reported, there is a dearth of information on the specific impact of race-related discrimination on unhealthy alcohol use following the murder of George Floyd, and on unhealthy alcohol use among U.S. Veterans in general. The current study examines the effects of discrimination on unhealthy alcohol use and how discrimination influences the impact and distress felt regarding the George Floyd murder among U.S. Veterans. A total of 397 Veterans were surveyed between October and November of 2020. Of those, 285 Veterans (63 female) indicated they drank alcohol in the past 6 months and were included in analyses. Participants were assessed for severity of alcohol use problems (AUDIT), perceived discrimination (EDS), racial discrimination experience, and impact and distress related to the George Floyd murder. Veterans were categorized into three groups, those who 1) experienced racial discrimination, 2) experienced other discrimination not due to race, and 3) have not experienced any form of discrimination. Using univariate analysis of variance, groups were compared on AUDIT score and on the impact and distress related to the George Floyd murder. Veterans who experienced racial discrimination had significantly higher AUDIT scores and experienced greater functional impact and distress related to the George Floyd murder than those who experienced other non-racial discrimination and no discrimination (all p < 0.001). Participants in the non-racial discrimination group also experienced more severe AUDIT scores and greater impact and distress related to the George Floyd murder than those who experienced no discrimination (p < 0.001). In the context of a global pandemic, racial discrimination contributes to unhealthy alcohol use and the impact and distress associated with the murder of George Floyd. Future studies that investigate the combined impact of COVID-19 and racial discrimination on unhealthy alcohol and other substance use among Veterans are warranted. Results highlight the importance of addressing discrimination experiences in Veterans who seek alcohol treatment, particularly as rates of unhealthy alcohol use are on the rise.