Accession Number:

ADA523045

Title:

Substance Use and Mental Health Trends among U.S. Military Active Duty Personnel: Key Findings from the 2008 DoD Health Behavior Survey

Descriptive Note:

Journal article

Corporate Author:

RESEARCH TRIANGLE INST (RTI) RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK NC

Personal Author(s):

• Bray, Robert M.
• Pemberton, Michael R.
• Lane, Marian E.
• Hourani, Laurel L.
• Mattiko, Mark J.
• Babeu, Lorraine A.

Report Date:

2010-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

12.0

Abstract:

This study examines substance use and mental health issues among U.S. military personnel. Data were from the 2008 and before population-based Department of Defense Health Related Behavior Surveys HRBS. The sample size for the 2008 survey was 28,546 70.6 response rate. The study examined military members substance use, stress, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD, suicidal ideation and attempts, deployment, and job satisfaction. Trends show reductions in tobacco use and illicit drug use. but increases in prescription drug misuse, heavy alcohol use, stress, PTSD, and suicidal attempts. Deployment exacerbated some of these behavior changes. Despite the demanding lifestyle, job satisfaction was high. The authors conclude that the military has shown progress in decreasing cigarette smoking and illicit drug use. Additional emphasis should be placed on understanding increases in prescription drug misuse, heavy alcohol use, PTSD, and suicide attempts, and on planning additional effective interventions and prevention programs. Challenges remain in understanding and addressing military mental health needs.

Descriptors:

• *BEHAVIOR
• *DEPLOYMENT
• *DRUG ABUSE
• *JOB SATISFACTION
• *MENTAL HEALTH
• *MILITARY PERSONNEL
• *STRESS(PSYCHOLOGY)
• ACTIVE DUTY
• ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
• DEMOGRAPHY
• DRUG USERS
• HEALTH SURVEYS
• INTERVENTION
• MILITARY FORCES(UNITED STATES)
• POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
• REPRINTS
• TOBACCO SMOKING

Subject Categories:

• Psychology
• Personnel Management and Labor Relations
• Toxicology
• Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE