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Blow FC, Walton M, Ilgen M, Ignacio RV, Walters H, Massey L, Barry KL, McCormick R, Coughlin LN. Peer- and web-based interventions for risky drinking among US National Guard members: Mission Strong randomized controlled trial. Addiction 2023; 118:1246-1257. [PMID: 37041669 DOI: 10.1111/add.16172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To test separatel the efficacy of a web-based and a peer-based brief intervention (BI), compared with an expanded usual care control (EUC) group, among military reserve component members using alcohoI in a hazardous and harmful manner. DESIGN In the randomized controlled trial, participants were assigned to: [1] web-based BI with web-based boosters (BI + web), [2] web-based BI with peer-based boosters (BI + peer) or [3] enhanced usual care (EUC). SETTING Michigan, USA. PARTICIPANTS A total of 739 Michigan Army National Guard members who reported recent hazardous alcohol use; 84% were male, the mean age was 28 years. INTERVENTION The BI consisted of an interactive program guided by a personally selected avatar. Boosters were delivered either on the web or personally by a trained veteran peer. A pamphlet, given to all participants, included information on hazardous alcohol use and military-specific community resources and served as the EUC condition. MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome measure was binge drinking episodes in the past 30 days, measured at 12 months after the BI. FINDINGS All randomized participants were included in the outcome analyses. In adjusted analyses, BI + peer [beta = -0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.56 to -0.31, P < 0.001] and BI + web (beta = -0.34, 95% CI = -0.46 to -0.23, P < 0.001) reduced binge drinking compared with EUC. CONCLUSION This satudy was a web-based brief intervention for hazardous alcohol use, with either web- or peer-based boosters, reduced binge alcohol use among Army National Guard members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic C Blow
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, MI, USA
| | - Maureen Walton
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, MI, USA
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mark Ilgen
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, MI, USA
- Department of Veteran Affairs Healthcare, System, VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rosalinda V Ignacio
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Heather Walters
- Department of Veteran Affairs Healthcare, System, VA Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lynn Massey
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kristen L Barry
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, MI, USA
| | - Richard McCormick
- Center for Healthcare Research and Policy, MetroHealth/Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Lara N Coughlin
- Addiction Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, MI, USA
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Wimberly AS, Rose R, Levin K, Goddard-Eckrich D, Gilbert L, Wu E, Dasgupta A, Hunt T, Henry BF, El-Bassel N. Traumatic Life Events and Stressors: Associations With Substance Use Problems of Men Under Community Supervision. JOURNAL OF CORRECTIONAL HEALTH CARE 2023; 29:190-197. [PMID: 37116052 PMCID: PMC10517322 DOI: 10.1089/jchc.21.12.0137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to determine associations between sources of stress and substance use problems among men under community supervision programs. We used ordinary least squares regression models to test the hypotheses that the traumatic life events and stressors of men under community supervision and their partners, respectively, were associated with the substance use problems of men under community supervision. The sample included 230 men involved in community supervision programs in New York City and 230 women who were their intimate partners. We found that the traumatic events and the depression and anxiety of men under community supervision and partner's substance use problems were associated with the substance use problems of the men. These findings underscore the importance of addressing trauma in substance use treatment for men under community supervision. Future research can explore how stressful events impact substance use, sources of coping for couples, and the association between racism, traumatic events, stress, and substance use. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT01690494.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roderick Rose
- University of Maryland School of Social Work, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kimberly Levin
- Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Louisa Gilbert
- Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, New York, USA
| | - Elwin Wu
- Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Timothy Hunt
- Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, New York, USA
| | - Brandy F. Henry
- Pennsylvania State University College of Education, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nabila El-Bassel
- Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, New York, USA
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3
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Vest BM, Hoopsick RA, Homish DL, Homish GG. The Role of Military Identity in Substance Use and Mental Health Outcomes among U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers. MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 35:85-93. [PMID: 36568407 PMCID: PMC9770498 DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2022.2082812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We investigated how military identity (i.e., veteran identity centrality, the extent to which military service is central to an individual's sense of self) relates to substance use and mental health among U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard (USAR/NG) soldiers. Data were drawn from Operation: SAFETY, a longitudinal survey study of USAR/NG soldiers. Regression models (n=413 soldiers) examined relationships between military identity and substance use (i.e., alcohol problems, past 3-months non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD), illicit drug use, tobacco use), and mental health (i.e., generalized anxiety, anger, depression, PTSD), controlling for sex, race, age, education, years of military service, military status (current/former), and deployment (ever/never). In adjusted models, stronger military identity was not related to alcohol, illicit drug, or tobacco use, but was associated with past 3-months NMUPD (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.75, p<.01) and greater symptoms of anger (IRR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.03, p<.01), generalized anxiety (IRR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.10, p<.01), depression (IRR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.10, p<.01), and PTSD (IRR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.12, p<.01). Findings demonstrate the importance of military identity for health-related outcomes. NMUPD suggests potential self-medication and an avoidance of help-seeking, as admitting difficulties may conflict with military identity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel A. Hoopsick
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
| | - D. Lynn Homish
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, University at Buffalo
| | - Gregory G. Homish
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, University at Buffalo
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4
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Vest BM, Weiss-Laxer NS, Homish DL, Homish GG. Lifetime trauma exposure profiles and alcohol use over time among U.S. Reserve and National Guard soldiers. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:1642-1655. [PMID: 35901312 PMCID: PMC10440733 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Although trauma exposure is a recognized risk factor for alcohol use, research on military populations has emphasized combat exposure, with minimal consideration of exposure to other potentially traumatic events (PTEs). We aimed to (a) identify, characterize, and quantify subgroups of service members based on PTE patterns; (b) examine associations between trauma exposure subgroups and alcohol use; and (c) examine these associations longitudinally. Data were drawn from Operation: SAFETY, a longitudinal study of health and well-being among U.S. Army Reserve/National Guard soldiers (N = 478). Exposure to 15 PTEs, including childhood maltreatment, noninterpersonal events (e.g., natural disasters, accidents), interpersonal trauma, and military-related exposures, was assessed at baseline. Latent profile analysis was conducted to characterize mutually exclusive trauma profiles; profile membership was used to longitudinally predict alcohol use in generalized estimating equation models. Four exposure profiles were identified: intimate partner violence (IPV)/combat trauma (8.4%, n = 40), combat trauma (24.7%, n = 118), childhood trauma (8.4%, n = 40), and low trauma (58.6%, n = 280). In adjusted models, compared to the low trauma profile, IPV/combat profile membership was longitudinally associated with alcohol problems, OR = 2.44, p =.005. Membership in other trauma profiles was not associated with alcohol use. Within the IPV/combat profile, men had a higher risk of frequent heavy drinking than women. Results suggest a need to comprehensively screen for lifetime PTE exposure, particularly IPV, in military populations. Given the high prevalence of nonmilitary PTEs, an inclusive, trauma-informed approach to health care and service provision is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - D. Lynn Homish
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, University at Buffalo
| | - Gregory G. Homish
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, University at Buffalo
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5
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Sparks AC, Williams CS, Pflieger JC, Jacobson I, Corry NH, Radakrishnan S, Stander VA. Longitudinal Patterns of Military Spousal Alcohol Consumption: Findings From the Millennium Cohort Family Study. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2022; 83:546-555. [PMID: 35838432 PMCID: PMC9318701 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.2022.83.546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alcohol use in the military is prevalent and has short- and long-term health, safety, and career consequences. Although several studies have examined service members' alcohol consumption, few have focused on alcohol use among military spouses. This study assessed factors at individual, interpersonal, and organizational levels to determine associations with risky alcohol use among military spouses. METHOD Data from baseline and first follow-up of the Millennium Cohort Family Study were used (N = 5,475; 4,923 female) to model spousal self-reported risky drinking (heavy and/or binge drinking) at follow-up. Predictors included demographic characteristics, spousal adverse childhood experiences and mental health, smoking status, marital status, family satisfaction, social support, military stress, and service member military characteristics. Logistic regression models assessed the adjusted associations between spouse and service member characteristics and spousal risky drinking at follow-up. RESULTS Among spouses in this sample, 19% were risky drinkers at follow-up. Baseline alcohol use status was associated with risky drinking at follow-up. Most spouses (64.2%) did not change their drinking behavior between baseline and follow-up; those who did change were nearly evenly split between an increasing (17.0%) versus decreasing (18.7%) pattern. Risk factors included male gender, cigarette smoking, elevated symptoms of post-traumatic stress, marital separation, and service member deployment with combat. CONCLUSIONS Although most military spouses were not engaging in risky drinking, one in five were, with about half of these having moved into the risky drinking category over time. Risky alcohol use among spouses has ramifications for themselves, the service member, and the family unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia C. Sparks
- Division of Health and Environment, Abt Associates, Rockville, Maryland
| | | | - Jacqueline C. Pflieger
- Leidos, San Diego, California
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California
| | - Isabel Jacobson
- Leidos, San Diego, California
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California
| | - Nida H. Corry
- Division of Health and Environment, Abt Associates, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Valerie A. Stander
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California
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6
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Sparks AC, Williams CS, Pflieger JC, Jacobson I, Corry NH, Radakrishnan S, Stander VA. Longitudinal Patterns of Military Spousal Alcohol Consumption: Findings From the Millennium Cohort Family Study. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2022; 83:546-555. [PMID: 35838432 PMCID: PMC9318701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alcohol use in the military is prevalent and has short- and long-term health, safety, and career consequences. Although several studies have examined service members' alcohol consumption, few have focused on alcohol use among military spouses. This study assessed factors at individual, interpersonal, and organizational levels to determine associations with risky alcohol use among military spouses. METHOD Data from baseline and first follow-up of the Millennium Cohort Family Study were used (N = 5,475; 4,923 female) to model spousal self-reported risky drinking (heavy and/or binge drinking) at follow-up. Predictors included demographic characteristics, spousal adverse childhood experiences and mental health, smoking status, marital status, family satisfaction, social support, military stress, and service member military characteristics. Logistic regression models assessed the adjusted associations between spouse and service member characteristics and spousal risky drinking at follow-up. RESULTS Among spouses in this sample, 19% were risky drinkers at follow-up. Baseline alcohol use status was associated with risky drinking at follow-up. Most spouses (64.2%) did not change their drinking behavior between baseline and follow-up; those who did change were nearly evenly split between an increasing (17.0%) versus decreasing (18.7%) pattern. Risk factors included male gender, cigarette smoking, elevated symptoms of post-traumatic stress, marital separation, and service member deployment with combat. CONCLUSIONS Although most military spouses were not engaging in risky drinking, one in five were, with about half of these having moved into the risky drinking category over time. Risky alcohol use among spouses has ramifications for themselves, the service member, and the family unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia C. Sparks
- Division of Health and Environment, Abt Associates, Rockville, Maryland
| | | | - Jacqueline C. Pflieger
- Leidos, San Diego, California
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California
| | - Isabel Jacobson
- Leidos, San Diego, California
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California
| | - Nida H. Corry
- Division of Health and Environment, Abt Associates, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Valerie A. Stander
- Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California
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7
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Osborne AK, Wilson-Menzfeld G, McGill G, Kiernan MD. Military service and alcohol use: a systematic narrative review. Occup Med (Lond) 2022; 72:313-323. [PMID: 35674143 PMCID: PMC9272263 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqac045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite research highlighting the role of alcohol in military life, specifically in relation to mental health and certain combat experiences, there is no synthesised evidence looking at the relationship between military service and alcohol use. Aims To synthesize and examine evidence exploring the relationship between military service and alcohol use. Methods Six databases were examined across a 10-year period. Papers were included if they involved a military population and focused on alcohol use. From 4046 papers identified, 29 papers were included in the review. Results Military characteristics and experience were linked to high levels of alcohol use across military populations. Societal and cultural factors also played a role in alcohol use in military populations. Predatory behaviour of alcohol establishments, pressures to conform, an acceptance of alcohol use, and the role of religious services and military affiliated social networks were all considered. Excessive drinking impacted physical and mental health. Those diagnosed with PTSD and associated symptoms appeared to have greater alcohol use. Conclusions This review identified certain characteristics and experiences of military service that are associated with higher levels of alcohol use. It is important to identify risk factors for alcohol misuse to develop appropriate policy, targeting prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Osborne
- Northern Hub for Veterans and Military Families Research, Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK
| | - G Wilson-Menzfeld
- Northern Hub for Veterans and Military Families Research, Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK
| | - G McGill
- Northern Hub for Veterans and Military Families Research, Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK
| | - M D Kiernan
- Northern Hub for Veterans and Military Families Research, Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK
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8
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Vest BM, Brady LA, Brimmer MJ, Homish GG. Variations in Risk and Motivations for Substance Use over the Course of Military Service. Subst Use Misuse 2021; 56:559-566. [PMID: 33616468 PMCID: PMC8108137 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2021.1887257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological data identify risk factors related to substance use among military service members to inform prevention and treatment. Less is known about how motivations and risks for substance use vary over a military service career. The study goal was to explore substance use patterns and motivations among a sample of United States undergraduate student veterans in order to identify periods of risk. Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted (n = 31) between December 2018 and April 2019. Transcripts were coded in ATLAS.ti using thematic content analysis. Results: Interviews revealed complex motivations around substance use and identified key periods of risk. 1) Pre-service: Participants reported using alcohol and marijuana, primarily during social activities. 2) During service: Participants described a culture of heavy alcohol and tobacco use in social contexts, but little use of other substances. Post-deployment was a notable exception, when some reported heavier alcohol use and use of other drugs, including opiates, cocaine, and ecstasy. 3) Post-service: Transitioning out of the military was described as difficult; some participants reported heavier use of substances during this period. Some participants quit smoking after military service, or switched to vaping. Others reported use of alcohol and/or marijuana to calm themselves, relieve stress, and enable sleep. Conclusions: These data indicate that the periods immediately following deployment and transition out of the military may be especially high-risk for heavy substance use and use of a broader range of substances. This highlights the need for tailored interventions and messaging at different points of military service, particularly during periods of greatest risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie M Vest
- Primary Care Research Institute, Department of Family Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Laura A Brady
- Primary Care Research Institute, Department of Family Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Maximilian J Brimmer
- Primary Care Research Institute, Department of Family Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Gregory G Homish
- Community Health and Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
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Agaku I, Odani S, Nelson JR. U.S. Military Veteran Versus Nonveteran Use of Licit and Illicit Substances. Am J Prev Med 2020; 59:733-741. [PMID: 33012620 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2020.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To provide up-to-date substance use surveillance data among U.S. military veterans versus nonveterans, this study assesses current use of tobacco products, alcohol, marijuana, prescription pain relievers, tranquilizers, sedatives, stimulants, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, inhalants, and hallucinogens. METHODS Pooled data were from the 2015-2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a nationally representative, self-reported survey of the U.S. adult non-institutionalized population. Military veterans were those who had "ever been in the United States Armed Forces" and were "now separated/retired from reserves/active duty" (n=7,301). Nonveterans were those who had never been in the U.S. Armed forces (n=121,366). Age- and gender-stratified weighted prevalence estimates were calculated and compared with chi-square tests. All analyses were conducted in 2019. RESULTS Illicit substance use, including marijuana and cocaine, was generally lower among veterans than nonveterans, whereas use of licit substances such as tobacco and alcohol was higher among veterans than nonveterans. The most commonly used substances among veterans were tobacco and alcohol. Among male participants aged 18-25 years, 59.8% of veterans reported past-12-month cigarette/cigar smoking (vs 46.6% of nonveterans), whereas 17.6% reported heavy drinking (vs 12.2% of nonveterans). For both cigarette/cigar smoking and binge drinking, there was a marked narrowing of the male-female gap in prevalence with increasing age among veterans. Female veterans aged 18-25 years reported significantly higher opioid use than their nonveteran counterparts (54.7% vs 35.0%); they also had the highest prevalence of opioid misuse (15.3%) than any other group. CONCLUSIONS Intensified efforts are needed to reduce substance use among veterans and provide cessation and mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Agaku
- Department of Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Satomi Odani
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
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10
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Anderson Goodell EM, Johnson RM, Latkin CA, Homish DL, Homish GG. Risk and protective effects of social networks on alcohol use problems among Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers. Addict Behav 2020; 103:106244. [PMID: 31838442 PMCID: PMC7045418 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.106244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Military personnel engage in alcohol-related behaviors for a variety of reasons, some of which may be socially-motivated. Although civilian-based research has established that peers' drinking behaviors are correlated with individuals' own drinking behaviors, military work has not yet examined the influence of social network characteristics on soldier drinking behaviors. This study describes characteristics of soldiers' social networks in association with soldier alcohol use problems. METHODS This study includes data on 353 U.S. Reserve and National Guard (R/NG) soldiers and their 2154 past-year social ties. Descriptive analyses examined social tie characteristics (e.g., military affiliation, substance misuse, and drinking influence). Negative binomial regression models examined relationships between social network characteristics and soldier alcohol use problems. RESULTS On average, 14% of a R/NG soldier's social network was comprised of military-affiliated ties. Further, an average of 14% of ties in a soldier's network were considered drinking buddies, and 8% of ties were heavy-drinkers. More drinking buddies and heavy-drinking ties in a soldier's social network and greater average number of past-month days drinking with ties were associated with increases in soldier alcohol problems. For deployed soldiers, larger military-affiliated social networks were protective against alcohol problems. CONCLUSIONS Drinking-related social network characteristics are associated with increased alcohol problems among soldiers, while military-affiliated ties are protective specifically for deployed soldiers. Interventions to reduce alcohol use problems may focus on enhancing social connections between R/NG soldiers and providing opportunities to connect deployed R/NG soldiers with one another during and after reintegration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Anderson Goodell
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.
| | - Renee M Johnson
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Carl A Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - D Lynn Homish
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Gregory G Homish
- Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States; Department of Family Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
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11
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Kulak JA, Fillo J, Homish DL, Kahn L, Homish GG. Substance use and mental health among military spouses and partners. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 7:257-267. [PMID: 31844559 DOI: 10.1080/21635781.2019.1591314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Research on the behavioral health of military spouses/partners is essential, yet lacking. Data on 344 civilian spouses were drawn from a study of U.S. Army Reserve/National Guard soldier couples. This project characterizes civilian spouses' behavioral health symptoms. Regression analyses assessed the relationship between substance use and mental health symptoms. Overall, findings indicate civilian spouses had behavioral health impairments. Mental health, alcohol use, and tobacco use did not differ by soldiers' deployment history; illicit drug use and non-medical use of prescription drugs did at trend level. Support initiatives focusing on all military spouses, not just those of deployed soldiers, are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Kulak
- University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Family Medicine, Buffalo, New York.,Buffalo State College - The State University of New York, Health, Nutrition, and Dietetics, Buffalo, New York
| | - Jennifer Fillo
- University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Clinical and Research Institute on Addictions, Buffalo, New York
| | - D Lynn Homish
- University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Community Health and Health Behavior, Buffalo, New York
| | - Linda Kahn
- University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Family Medicine, Buffalo, New York
| | - Gregory G Homish
- University at Buffalo - The State University of New York, Community Health and Health Behavior, Buffalo, New York
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12
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Vest BM, Homish DL, Fillo J, Homish GG. Military status and alcohol problems: Former soldiers may be at greater risk. Addict Behav 2018; 84:139-143. [PMID: 29679924 PMCID: PMC5975126 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to explore differences in alcohol problems as a function of military status (current soldier, previous soldier and civilian spouses), and the possible interaction between sex and military status. We hypothesized that 1) soldiers would be at greater risk for alcohol problems than civilian spouses, and 2) former soldiers would be at greater risk compared to current soldiers. METHODS Data were drawn from Operation: SAFETY, a longitudinal study examining physical and mental health among U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers and their partners. The analytic sample included male and female participants who completed both the baseline and first follow-up assessments (N = 772). Negative binomial regression models were used to examine differences between military status group on alcohol problems at follow-up, controlling for sex and alcohol consumption at baseline. Interactions between military status and sex were also examined. RESULTS Among current soldiers, males experienced significantly more alcohol problems compared to women (4.47, 3.46; p = 0.005). Likewise, among previous soldiers, males experienced significantly more alcohol problems compared to women (6.69, 2.92; p = 0.002). Male previous soldiers had significantly more alcohol problems compared to both male current soldiers and male civilian spouses (6.69, 4.47, p = 0.04; 6.69, 3.96; p = 0.02). Among women, there were no significant differences by military status. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that male previous soldiers are at greater risk of alcohol problems than both current soldiers and civilian spouses. Health care and service providers should consider screening and monitoring soldiers who separate from the military, as alcohol use may increase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie M Vest
- Department of Family Medicine, University at Buffalo, 77 Goodell Street, Suite 220, Buffalo, NY 14203, United States.
| | - D Lynn Homish
- Department of Community Health & Health Behavior, University at Buffalo, 325 Kimball Tower, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214, United States
| | - Jennifer Fillo
- Research Institute on Addictions, 1021 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, United States
| | - Gregory G Homish
- Department of Community Health & Health Behavior, University at Buffalo, 325 Kimball Tower, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214, United States
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