This study examined the association between specific combat experiences and postdeployment hazardous drinking patterns on selected military populations that are considered high risk, such as personnel belonging to U.S. Army Special Operations Forces. Data collection were conducted in a 5-year span in which 1,323 Special Operations Forces Soldiers were surveyed anonymously from 3 to 6 months after returning from deployment to Iraq/Afghanistan regarding their combat experiences and mental health. Combat items were independently analyzed and placed into the following categories: (1) Fighting, (2) Killing, (3) Threat to oneself, (4) Death/Injury of others, and (5) Atrocities. Alcohol misuse was measured using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption. Of the Soldiers sampled, 15% (N = 201) screened positive for alcohol misuse 3 to 6 months postdeployment. Combat experiences relating to fighting, threat to oneself, and atrocities were significantly related to alcohol misuse when analyzed individually. However, when factors were analyzed simultaneously, combat experiences in the fighting category were significantly associated with a positive screen for alcohol misuse. In conclusion, Soldiers belonging to certain elite combat units are significantly more likely to screen positive for alcohol misuse if they are exposed to specific types of fighting combat experiences versus any other type of combat exposure.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.