Lifetime trauma exposure profiles and alcohol use over time among U.S. Reserve and National Guard soldiers

Abstract

Although trauma exposure is a recognized risk factor for alcohol use, research on military populations has emphasized combat exposure, with minimal consideration of exposure to other potentially traumatic events (PTEs). We aimed to (a) identify, characterize, and quantify subgroups of service members based on PTE patterns; (b) examine associations between trauma exposure subgroups and alcohol use; and (c) examine these associations longitudinally. Data were drawn from Operation: SAFETY, a longitudinal study of health and well-being among U.S. Army Reserve/National Guard soldiers (N = 478). Exposure to 15 PTEs, including childhood maltreatment, noninterpersonal events (e.g., natural disasters, accidents), interpersonal trauma, and military-related exposures, was assessed at baseline. Latent profile analy-1642

Male sex and hazardous alcohol use following military sexual assault increase suicide risk among US service members and veterans

“…There is evidence that interpersonal violence, such as MST/MSA, is associated with the highest alcohol use relative to other trauma exposures, including childhood abuse or combat (i.e. Vest et al, 2022 ). Leading theories of alcohol misuse suggest individuals use alcohol to cope with traumatic exposures and their psychological sequelae (e.g.…”