Survey of Alcohol Use in the U.S. Army

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to collect data that would provide information about the frequency, attitudes, and consequences of alcohol use in the U.S. Army. A questionnaire was used to assess the frequency of alcohol consumption, attitudes related to the use of alcohol, and adverse consequences experienced with alcohol use. The survey was conducted at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Survey participants included both military employees working at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and military patients. No attempt was made to identify the medical status of the participants. The investigators distributed 1,200 questionnaires. Following distribution, the investigators received 1,010 completed questionnaires, resulting in an 84% return rate. Thirty-four percent of the survey participants (n = 335) were deployed to an area of combat operations. There was a significant difference in binge drinking between military personnel assigned to an area of combat operations and those not assigned to an area of combat operations (p = 0.023). Multiple regression results showed that age, marital status, and deployment status were correlated with four or more drinks at one time (p < 0.001). In other words, binge drinking is more likely to occur among military personnel who are younger, experiencing marital problems, and recently returned from an area of combat operations. Significant differences between the two groups also emerged in terms of other specific consequences associated with consumption. Deployment to an area of combat operations seems to influence consumption patterns, alcohol related attitudes, and behaviors. This could be a consequence of wartime experiences. This study should help guide the clinical screening of alcohol use disorders, which may complicate emotional recovery from traumatic experiences if undetected.

KEYWORDS:

• Combat
• alcohol
• screening
• education

The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy of the Department of Army, Department of Defense, or U.S. Government.

Notes

^aLinear by linear association test.

^bNot significant at p < 0.05.

^aLinear by linear association test.

∗ Significant at p < 0.05.

^aRisk ranked by probability the response would result in adverse outcome.

^bLinear by linear association test.

^cArmy Substance Abuse Program.

^dNot significant at p < 0.05.

^aRisk ranked by probability the response would result in adverse outcome.

^b1.00 = hangover, nausea, vomited; 2.00 = memory loss, something regretted; 3.00 = damaged property, fight, injured self; 4.00 = driving under the influence; 5.00 = late or missed work; 6.00 = seriously thought about suicide.

^c Linear by linear association test.

∗∗ Significant at p < 0.05.

^aRisk ranked by probability that response would result in adverse outcome.

^bLinear by linear association test.

^cNot significant at p < 0.05.