Substance use over the military–veteran life course: An analysis of a sample of OEF/OIF veterans returning to low-income predominately minority communities

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of substance use patterns of recent veterans returning to low-income predominately minority communities over four periods of the military-veteran career. Respondent driven sampling (RDS) was used so that unbiased estimates could be obtained for the characteristics of the target population. The majority of participants had used marijuana but no other illegal drugs. In the military, marijuana use was substantially lower and alcohol was the drug of choice; the majority were binge drinkers and nearly half were heavy drinkers. While deployed, alcohol and marijuana use were both lower, though some participants (6%) initiated the misuse of prescription painkillers. After separating from the military and returning to civilian life, heavy drinking was much lower, marijuana use increased, and some veterans misused prescription painkillers (7%). Further research based on these data will examine these distinct periods of substance use, contexts of use, related substance and mental health problems, treatment use and avoidance, and civilian reintegration.

Substance use and dependence among current reserve and former military members: Cross-sectional findings from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2010–2014

“…29 Limited evidence suggests that leaving the military is associated with an increased likelihood of cigarette smoking, marijuana use, and nonmedical use of prescription painkillers among OEF/OIF veterans. 14 …”

“…In a small sample of OEF/OIF veterans, their cigarette smoking, marijuana use, and nonmedical use of prescription painkillers was more prevalent after leaving the military. 14 Further, approximately 11% of OEF/OIF veterans seeking care in the Veterans Health Administration have a substance use disorder diagnosis. 15 Additionally, substance use among veterans is associated with homelessness 16 and suicide.…”

Predictors of Positive Illicit Drug Tests After OEF/OIF Deployment Among Army Enlisted Service Members

“…It is unknown how geographic location or connection to military bases influence these findings, and future research could explore the relationship of locations of home communities or military bases with regulations regarding marijuana access and legal consequences in those communities. 24 …”

“…14 One study found that 33.7% of OEF/OIF veterans in low-income, predominantly minority neighborhoods within New York City reported using marijuana in the past 30 days. 24 Our inclusion of variables that control for time trends (FY of deployment), the number of specimens tested and observation months is a particular strength of this study. Drug testing frequency varies among members and follow-up windows were not uniform in length (e.g., members returning from deployments in FYs 2010 and 20111 had shorter follow-up windows and fewer chances to get tested), thus controlling for these variables strengthens the validity of our conclusions.…”

Drug use and childhood-, military- and post-military trauma exposure among women and men veterans

“…Similarly, rates of amphetamine and narcotic prescription use are increasing among active duty members (Bray et al, 2010) and veterans (Wagner et al, 2007). Moreover, in a study of substance use over the military-veteran life course, Golub and Bennett (2014) found marijuana use and prescription pain killer misuse increased after separation from military service.…”