Coping and Substance use Amid the “New Normal” Pandemic in India: Age and Gender Variations

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a unique challenge for all, where numerous coping strategies are being used to adapt to the unprecedented stress. Among them, substance use is one of the most challenging for the youth in a developing country like India. Aims: The present study aimed to (1) compare among adolescents, young adults, and middle-aged adults comprehensive coping strategies and substance use, and (2) study various coping strategies as predictors of substance use amid the pandemic. Methodology: The sample comprised 1027 participants between 13–60 years of age, further categorized as adolescents (13–18 years), young adults (19–39 years), and middle-aged adults (39–60 years). The assessment was done on the Perceived Stress Scale, Brief COPE Inventory by Carver, and DSM-5 Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure. The groups were compared using Kruskal–Wallis and Chi-square. Correlations were calculated using Person’s coefficient, and multiple linear regressions were analyzed. Results: The young adults used more substance use; adolescents used more self-blaming, self-distraction, instrumental support, and positive reframing. The male participants resorted to “substance use” while females were more involved with “seeking social support” and “religion.” Perceived stress, coping, age, and gender formed a significant predictor model with substance use, denial, positive reframing, and significant independent predictors of problematic substance use. Conclusions: Our study found significant age and gender-related differences in using various coping strategies and substance use. Our study explained substance use through the lens of coping where perceived stress, substance use as coping, denial, and positive reframing were significant independent predictors. Results will help to plan interventions to promote adaptive coping strategies and implement focused interventions in the vulnerable groups.