Aims of the study
We set out to examine the links between alcohol use and mental health and ask which aspects of alcohol use are most closely linked with different aspects of mental health, and do the associations suggest that the risks rise in a linear fashion, or only beyond some threshold? We also examine the possible modifying effect of protective social factors on these links. The aspects of alcohol use to be studied include the frequency and volume of drinking, binge drinking and hazardous drinking. The aspects of mental health
2 of 6 European Journal of Public Health
studied are (i) hedonic well-being/life satisfaction, (ii) eudaimonic well-being/sense of mastery and (iii) psychological distress. The potential protective social factors include social support and good socioeconomic status.