evidence suggests that stress may specifically act on alcohol and drug use primarily via craving. It is entirely possible that more severe stressors or stressors that elicit stronger reactions might exert their impact via increased craving or motivation to drink. Trauma-related symptoms predicted coping-related alcohol use in a group of individuals with co-morbid AUD and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Kaysen et al., 2007; Simpson et al., 2014). Failing to consider the critical role of craving, or motivation to use, in the stress-substance use link would likely provide an underestimate of the impact that stress has on alcohol use and potential relapse in early treatment.
