The alcohol use and associated mental health problems of student service members/veterans in higher education

Abstract

Aims: This study examined: (a) whether student service members/veterans attending college drank more frequently or in greater quantities than non-service peers; and (b) whether links between student service members/veterans’ alcohol use and mental health-related outcomes differed from civilian students.

Methods: Participants included 145 student service members/veterans and 136 civilian students attending 16 different higher education institutions within one Midwestern state. Data were collected via web-based survey assessing alcohol-related attitudes and behaviours, problem drinking, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress.

Findings: In general, the current sample of veterans/student service members drank similarly to younger, civilian students. Furthermore, compared to civilian students, veterans/student service members’ binge drinking was differentially associated to indicators of problem drinking and mental health symptoms such as depression/anxiety and PTSD.

Conclusions: In general, findings suggest that binge drinking among student service members/veterans was associated with greater problems, highlighting potential adjustment difficulties/risks for this group.

Notes

Notes

1. While there does exist a slight distinction between student service members (i.e., those still associated with the military, usually in the Reserve component) and veterans (i.e., those who have completed their military service) classifications, throughout this manuscript, we will designate any military personnel (current or former) attending a college or university as student service member/veteran.