Meta-analysis of risk factors for substance abuse in the US military. Issue 6 (2nd November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brady, Lisa L.; Credé, Marcus; Harms, P.D.; Bachrach, Daniel G.; Lester, Paul B.
• Is Part Of: Military psychology. Volume 31:Issue 6(2019)
• Page Start: 450
• Page End: 461
• Publication Date: 2019-11-02
• Subjects: Alcohol abuse -- drug abuse -- substance abuse -- military -- meta-analysis; Psychology, Military -- Periodicals; United States -- Armed Forces -- Periodicals; 355.0019
• DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2019.1657754
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0899-5605

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article describes the results from a meta-analytic review of 55 studies and 78 independent samples containing information about the demographic, contextual, and psychological factors associated with alcohol and drug abuse among United States military personnel. In terms of demographics, results from this analysis reveal higher levels of substance abuse among personnel who are male, younger, have less education, are unmarried, and who are of a lower military rank (E1-E3). In terms of the military context, rates of substance abuse are greater for personnel with combat exposure and a recent or lengthy deployment. Finally, rates of substance abuse are higher among personnel reporting specific psychological symptoms, including negative emotionality, impulsivity, and symptoms associated with depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). This study suggests that a number of sociodemographic, psychological, and contextual factors are related to the odds that a military service member engages in high levels of substance abuse. The results provide a strong foundation for the development of interventions aimed toward vulnerable populations in the US military.