Physical and social availability of alcohol for young enlisted naval personnel in and around home port

Abstract

Background: Heavy alcohol consumption rates are higher in the young adult military enlisted population than among civilians of the same age. The literature on alcohol availability, both generally and specifically with respect to work-related drinking, establishes clear links between ease of access, alcohol consumption rates and alcohol-related problems.

Trends in Binge and Heavy Drinking, Alcohol-Related Problems, and Combat Exposure in the U.S. Military

“…Alcohol is used for social purposes and in some cases as a reward for hard work and good performance. Environmental influences such as making alcohol readily available and at reduced prices at military outlets (Moore, Ames, & Cunradi, 2007) send a mixed signal that may contradict and interfere with policy and programmatic efforts to reduce excessive alcohol use in the military. It is also likely that changes in recruitment efforts to meet challenging recruitment goals are tapping a population with higher rates of preexisting binge and heavy drinking (Bray et al, 2010b) and may be adding to issues of excessive alcohol use in the military.…”

“…Alcohol is commonly used for social purposes and in some cases as a reward for hard work and good performance. Binge and heavy drinking are likely reinforced by supporting environmental features such as making alcohol read-The authors acknowledge the editorial assistance of Justin Faerber and Carol Offen. ily available at multiple locations on military bases and at cheaper prices than in civilian communities (Moore, Ames, & Cunradi, 2007).…”

Food service employee alcohol use, hangovers and norms during and after work hours

“…Among occupations with relatively high social and physical availability of alcohol at work (Ames and Grube, 1999; Moore et al, 2007), food service workers are at elevated risk for misuse of alcohol and drugs during and after work hours (e.g., Kjaerheim et al, 1995; SAMHSA, 2007). To shed light on the connection between employee alcohol use norms and practices within the context of a strong alcohol control policy environment (Moore et al, In press; Moore et al, 2009), a multi-method (ethnographic and survey) study on alcohol use among young adult food service workers investigated relationships between their work-related alcohol norms and alcohol use before, during and after work hours.…”

Forcing the Navy to Sell Cigarettes on Ships: How the Tobacco Industry and Politicians Torpedoed Navy Tobacco Control

“…41 He likened Navy smoking restrictions to the failed national policy of Prohibition (although alcohol use is prohibited on Navy ships). 42 Representative John Tanner (D, TN), thought it was “entirely appropriate to perhaps restrict smoking for the convenience of those who object violently.” 41 “But,” he added, “somebody is banning a legal commodity.” 41 He wondered if lottery tickets or hair spray might be next. 41 Representative Solomon Ortiz (D, TX), chair of the panel, assured Kavanaugh that forcing sailors to remain smoke-free for months-long deployments would “cause problems.” 41 …”