Collectively, these results highlight the importance of examining developmental changes in the role of social support from family and friends in relation to alcohol use. Prior research suggests that the influence of social support on alcohol use outcomes may depend on the drinking behaviors of the social partners. Friends, romantic partners, and spouses who are more congruent in their drinking patterns tend to report higher levels of relationship satisfaction (Homish & Leonard, 2007; Marshal, 2003; Osgood et al., 2013). Those who perceive higher social support and have friends, romantic partners, or spouses who engage in high levels of drinking may be at higher risk for alcohol use. Future research is warranted to examine the role of social partners’ drinking behavior in moderating the association between social support and alcohol use across developmental stages.
