Soldier Characteristics, Alcohol Abuse Risk, and Mental Health Risk as Treatment Predictors

Abstract

Combat exposure and other factors associated with military service may place soldiers at increased risk of substance use and mental health issues. We examine the importance of soldier characteristics and risk for alcohol abuse and mental health issues in predicting entry into treatment for alcohol abuse and treatment for mental health issues among active duty soldiers (n = 43,342). Results indicated that soldiers were more likely to be referred for mental health issues than alcohol abuse issues and that marital status, race/ethnicity, and pay grade were predictive of the likelihood of entering treatment. We discuss the implications of our findings with regard to the referral and treatment of alcohol abuse and mental health issues within the military environment.

Notes

Note. *p < .05