Alcohol and the marriage effect

Objective: Research indicates a marriage effect with respect to drinking an d drinking problems. This effect is characterized by less consumption and f ewer problems among married men and women as compared with either single or divorced individuals. Method: This article reviews evidence regarding proc esses that might account for the marriage effect. Results: The literature s uggests that the marriage effect reflects three processes: (1) reduced alco hol consumption triggered by the transition to marriage, (2) the deleteriou s effect of heavy drinking on marital quality and r.,arital stability and ( 3) increased consumption in response to the transition to divorce. Conclusi ons: Given the nature of these transitions, it is argued that transitions t o marriage and divorce should be viewed as unique opportunities for adult p revention activities, but that more pre-prevention research focused on chan ges over these transitions is needed to help target prevention efforts.