A Narrative Review of Emotion Regulation Abilities, Strategy Use, and Their Relationship to Alcohol

Poor emotion regulation (ER) abilities are associated with coping motives, alcohol use problems, and difficulties recovering from an alcohol use disorder (AUD). This paper reviews the past 5 years of alcohol use and ER research, aiming to advance our understanding of this complex relationship.

The indirect effect of self-reported ER abilities on alcohol problems via coping motives has been established. ER strategies are less often investigated and center on the association between reappraisal or suppression and alcohol use problems. Accessing optimal ER strategies and increasing ER abilities, specifically emotional awareness and clarity, appear critical to AUD recovery and need continued research.

Studying individual differences in ER abilities while considering ER strategies will provide a clearer understanding of drinking-to-cope and the relationship between ER abilities and alcohol use. Continued investigation of these relationships will help to reduce the public health burden of alcohol-related negative outcomes and AUD.