THE LINGERING EFFECTS OF LOSS: WIDOWHOOD AND SUBSTANCE USE IN THE LGBT POPULATION

Abstract The immense stress of widowhood can lead to unhealthy coping strategies, including substance use. Relatively little is known, however, about widowhood’s effects on use among sexual minorities. Of the few studies examining LGB widowhood, none employ large, nationally representative samples or consider whether depend current partner status. We address these issues using a sample 2,258 respondents aged 50 and older who participated in 2010 Aging with Pride: National Health, Ageing, Sexuality/Gender Study. Multivariate regression analyses reveal that associated higher odds being smoker drugs past year. These results are found for individuals currently partnered, as well those not. This observation suggests negative substances not attenuated by potentially protective effect partnership. In contrast, alcohol do appear be diminished Among have experienced less likely than without report problematic drinking. Our suggest partnership may protect against more socially acceptable like alcohol, but it prevent behaviors smoking drug sum, our study completely counter lingering loss population.