Stress and alcohol use among soldiers assessed at mobilization and demobilization.
Excessive alcohol use may have negative consequences, including less force readiness among military personnel. The identification of variables associated with alcohol use may inform early intervention efforts to decrease negative consequences. This longitudinal prospective study examined the associations of demographic and stress variables with alcohol use among 876 soldiers that were mobilized and demobilized through an Army installation during a 9-month period in 2003. Participants reported a moderate level of general stress at mobilization and demobilization, and a minority reported significant combat stress. Alcohol use in the 2 weeks before the demobilization evaluation was associated with younger age, nonactive duty status before mobilization, and more general stress. Male gender was associated with more drinks per drinking day. The results suggest that younger, nonactive duty male personnel experiencing stress may be a group at risk for increased drinking after deployment and for whom intervention may be helpful.
Blume
Arthur W
AW
Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223, USA.
Schmaling
Karen B
KB
Russell
Michael L
ML
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D015995:Prevalence; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult