Prevalence, Trends, and Correlates of Alcohol Use, Nonmedical Drug Use, and Tobacco Use Among U.S. Military Personnel

Abstract

This paper presents data on substance use by military personnel from a series of worldwide surveys conducted in 1985, 1982, and 1980 with primary emphasis on the 1985 survey. Estimates are based on responses from participants serving on active duty in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. Results for 1985 indicate pervasive use of alcohol, substantial use of tobacco, and low nonmedical use of drugs among military personnel. Average daily consumption of alcohol declined significantly from 1.4 ounces in 1982 to 1.2 ounces in 1985, but the patterns of use remained relatively constant. Nonmedical drug use during the past 30 days declined significantly, from 27.0% in 1980, to 19.0% in 1982, to 8.9% in 1985. Cigarette smoking declined significantly from 51.4% in 1982 to 46.2% in 1985. Current alcohol and drug use is concentrated among younger, less educated, unmarried, and junior and mid-career enlisted personnel. Cigarette pack years are higher among males, whites, those with less than a high school education, and senior enlisted personnel. Results show progress in reducing drug use and smoking in the military, but little change in patterns of alcohol use. New initiatives and approaches by the military to further reduce substance abuse are discussed.

Health risk of chrysotile revisited

“…However, no information was provided on the smoking incidence in the asbestos cohort and how this compares to the US white adult males. For those workers who had also been in the military, the military rates of tobacco and alcohol use have been reported as higher than those found in comparable civilian sectors (Ballweg & Brey, 1989; Bray et al, 1989, 1991; Conway et al, 1989; US DHHS, 1989). …”

Impact of behavioral health problems on access to care and health services utilization

“…First, the original sample excluded women, officers, non-Army military personnel, and Army enlisted men discharged from service in Vietnam other than in September 1971 (when public concern was highest regarding drug use). Therefore, drug use rates are higher than if these groups had been included [Jordan, et al, 1991;Alonso, 1973;Frenkel, et al, 1977;Bray, et al, 1989;Boscarino, 1995]. Second, veterans discharged in September 1971 represent a later cohort of Vietnam veterans.…”

Navy Health Care Provider Attitudes and Practices Concerning Patient Tobacco Use

“…Furthermore, a common image of soldiers or sailors has been that of a "hard drinking, heavy smoking, macho guy." And, in fact, this image has some empirical basis in data from several studies indicating that the military has higher rates of tobacco and alcohol use than that found in the civilian sector (Bray, Marsden, & Peterson, 1991;Bray, Guess, Marsden, & Herbold, 1989;Conway, Trent. & Conway, 1989;Ballweg & Bray, 1989;US DHHS, 1989).…”