People dealt with the stress of the 2011 Queensland floods by smoking and drinking more and using prescription medications, according to a new study.
Researchers from the Queensland University of Technology conducted the study in greater Brisbane to highlight the mental health impact of natural disasters.
They sent out 3000 questionnaires to assess the association between direct exposure to flooding and the use of tobacco, alcohol and medication.
Of the 960 people who filled in the questionnaires, just over 10 per cent confirmed a direct impact from the flood. These people were also more likely to report increased smoking, drinking and medication.
"We found there was a significant mental health impact from exposure to the floods," says researcher Shilu Tong from the university's School of Public Health and Social Work.
He says financial and psychological pressure were major causes of the increased consumption.
In a letter published by the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, the researchers say health organisations should note the findings when planning responses to future floods and other disasters.
Although his habits did not change, Ipswich Councillor Paul Tully says the survey findings are understandable.
"Drinking and smoking would not have declined. If anything, it became part of the routine while people were waiting for their houses to be repaired. In many cases people spent more time in the local hotel.
"It's fairly normal for people to drown their sorrows when they have been through a crisis.
"There was the immediate stress during the flood which lasted three days. Then people had to find accommodation and sift through their belongings and rescue what they could.
"Then the reality started to dawn and many people realised that even though they had insurance, they were not covered for riverine flooding.
"That took its toll very significantly. That probably took the greatest toll of all."
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