Substance Use by Soldiers Who Abuse Their Spouses

Abstract

Data on 7,424 soldier spouse abuse offenders were analyzed to determine the prevalence of substance use during abusive incidents, and to examine differences between substance-using and non-substance-using offenders. Results showed that 25% of all offenders used substances during abusive incidents, with males and non-Hispanic Whites being more likely to hav e used substances. Substance-using offenders were more likely to perpetrate physical spouse abuse and more severe spouse abuse. These findings underscore the importance of educating military personnel (including commanders) about links between substance use and domestic violence, and of coordinating preventive and therapeutic substance abuse and violence-related interventions.

Interpersonal Violence Among Immigrants in Portugal

“…We found a positive association between violence and substance use such as tobacco, alcohol and illegal drugs. Those who smoked, who drank and used illicit drugs were more frequently victims of violence, and similar findings were shown in other studies [26,27]. However, we should highlight that our study has a cross-sectional design which precludes determination of causality.…”

The Impact of Work-Related Factors on Soldiers' Treatment: Providers' Perspectives

“…The deployment-related treatment disruption and termination reported by providers for substance abuse and family violence is even more disconcerting when coupled with empirical findings of a high correlation of alcohol use and spouse abuse reported among active duty soldiers in general (Martin et al, 2010), elevated levels of interpersonal stress postdeployment (Milliken, Auchterlonie, & Hoge, 2007), and elevated levels of child maltreatment during deployment (Gibbs, Martin, Kupper, & Johnson, 2007). These risks suggest the need for an added level of response, either during deployment or as an anticipatory intervention as soon as feasible after return from deployment.…”

“…The relationship between intimate partner violence and substance abuse is well established in both civilian populations (Leonard, 2002;Pan, Neidig, & Oleary, 1994;Strauss, Gelles, & Steinmetz, 1980) and in the military (Bell, Hanford, McCarroll, & Senier, 2004;Fonseca et al, 2006;Rosen, Kaminski, Parmley, Knudson, & Fancher, 2003;Rosen et al, 2002). Alcohol abuse was found to be a factor in 25% of incidents of intimate partner violence committed by married active duty Army soldiers (Martin et al, 2010). Substance abuse was less frequently associated with child maltreatment (Gibbs et al, 2008).…”

Perpetration of intimate partner violence by young adult males: The association with alcohol outlet density and drinking behavior

“…Greater alcohol consumption is associated with more male perpetrated violent acts and more severe violence, and alcohol use by the perpetrator increases the likelihood of injury (Graham, Bernards, Wilsnack, & Gmel, 2011; Leonard & Mudar, 2003; Leonard & Quigley, 1999; Martin et al, 2010; McKinney et al, 2010; Murphy et al, 2005; Testa et al, 2003; Thompson & Kingree, 2006; Tjaden & Thoennes, 2000). The co-occurrence of alcohol use and sexual IPV has been well documented in the research literature.…”