Predictors of Alcohol Dependence Relapse During Recurrence of Major Depression

This study sought to determine clinical predictors of alcohol relapse during recurrence of major depression. The total sample included 2,820 adults with a history of alcohol dependence who had a comorbid current episode of major depression. Twenty-six percent had a relapse of alcohol dependence. Relapsers were more likely to be male, single, less educated, and younger than non-relapsers. Early onset alcohol dependence and past year drug use disorder significantly increased the likelihood of relapse. Early onset substance use dependence is a more powerful predictor of alcohol relapse than early onset major depression.