Sleep difficulties and alcohol use motives in female rape victims with posttraumatic stress disorder

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between sleep diff iculties and drinking motives in female rape victims with posttraumatic str ess disorder (PTSD). Seventy-four-participants were assessed for PTSD sympt oms, depression, sleep difficulties, and drinking motives. Results demonstr ated that neither PTSD symptoms nor depression were related to any motives for using alcohol. On the other hand, after controlling for education, slee p difficulties were significantly related to drinking motives for coping wi th negative affect, but not pleasure enhancement or socialization. The find ings suggest that sleep difficulties may be an important factor contributin g to alcohol use in rape victims with PTSD.