Estimating the Causal Effect of Alcohol Consumption on Military-Relevant Mental Health Conditions: A Mendelian Randomization Study Using the All of Us Research Program.

This Mendelian Randomization study demonstrates that alcohol consumption is not a major instigating cause of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or anxiety.

The strong epidemiological correlation between alcohol use disorders and psychiatric comorbidities is likely driven by "chemical coping" (self-medication) or shared confounding factors, rather than direct alcohol exposure.

Additional Mendelian Randomization studies are required to confirm the "chemical coping" (self-medication) hypothesis of these mental health conditions driving alcohol use.