Motivators for problem alcohol use in autistic adults
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Motivators for Problem Alcohol Use in Autistic adults
IRAS ID
366087
Contact name
Helena Siebenlist
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 2 days
Research summary
Autism is a lifelong condition that affects how people communicate, interact, and experience the world around them (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2022). Autistic individuals are more likely to experience co-occurring challenges than the general population (Khachadourian et al., 2023). However, one currently under-researched area is co-occurring alcohol use in this population.
Some large-scale studies suggest that substance use disorders (SUDs), including problem alcohol use (PAU), may be up to twice as common in autistic people compared to non-autistic individuals (Butwicka et al., 2017; Huang et al., 2021). Despite this, research exploring why autistic adults use alcohol remains limited (Barber et al., 2025).
Existing studies suggest that autistic people may drink for a mix of traditional reasons found in the general population (e.g., coping with stress) and autism-specific ones (e.g., reducing sensory overload or masking autistic traits; Brosnan & Adams, 2020; Lalanne et al., 2015; Van den Boogert et al., 2024; Levy & Witte, 2023). Qualitative research has supported these findings, showing that autistic individuals may use alcohol to manage emotions or improve social interactions, though few studies have explored this in depth (Kronenberg et al., 2014; Clarke et al., 2016; Weir et al., 2021).
This project aims to fill that gap by utilising photovoice, a method in which participants use photographs or other visual representations to express themselves (Wang & Burris, 1997; Sutton-Brown, 2015). Photovoice has previously been used to empower autistic people and those in alcohol recovery to share their personal experiences (Lam et al., 2020; Smith et al., 2024).
By directly exploring autistic individuals’ lived experiences of problem alcohol use, this study hopes to inform more tailored, neurodiversity-affirming support for those experiencing alcohol-related difficulties.
Participants will be recruited through the NHS, relevant third-sector services, and relevant social media sites. The project will be funded by the University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian.
REC name
Wales REC 4
REC reference
26/WA/0056
Date of REC Opinion
13 Apr 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion