Military status and alcohol problems: Former soldiers may be at greater risk

Publication date: September 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 84
Author(s): Bonnie M. Vest, D.Lynn Homish, Jennifer Fillo, Gregory G. Homish
ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to explore differences in alcohol problems as a function of military status (current soldier, previous soldier and civilian spouses), and the possible interaction between sex and military status. We hypothesized that 1) soldiers would be at greater risk for alcohol problems than civilian spouses, and 2) former soldiers would be at greater risk compared to current soldiers.MethodsData were drawn from Operation: SAFETY, a longitudinal study examining physical and mental health among U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers and their partners. The analytic sample included male and female participants who completed both the baseline and first follow-up assessments (N = 772). Negative binomial regression models were used to examine differences between military status group on alcohol problems at follow-up, controlling for sex and alcohol consumption at baseline. Interactions between military status and sex were also examined.ResultsAmong current soldiers, males experienced significantly more alcohol problems compared to women (4.47, 3.46; p = 0.005). Likewise, among previous soldiers, males experienced significantly more alcohol problems compared to women (6.69, 2.92; p = 0.002). Male previous soldiers had significantly more alcohol problems compared to both male current soldiers and male civilian spouses (6.69, 4.47, p = 0.04; 6.69, 3.96; p = 0.02). Among women, there were no significant differences by military status.ConclusionsOur results indicate that male previous soldiers are at greater risk of alcohol problems than both current soldiers and civilian spouses. Health care and service providers should consider screening and monitoring soldiers who separate from the military, as alcohol use may increase.



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