Alcohol and Drug Abuse Hospitalizations Among Submarine Personnel in the U.S. Navy
Abstract
This study evaluated alcohol and drug abuse risks associated with U. S. Navy submarine duty by comparing hospitalization rates of submariners with surface-ship personnel for five occupational groups. Occupational groups included administrative/clerical, apprentice, blue collar, electronic/technical, and medical personnel. Occupational groups were compared between ship type using age-adjusted hospitalization rates for alcohol and drug abuse related diagnoses. For alcohol abuse, submarine personnel had significantly lower hospitalization rates than surface-ship personnel for each of the five occupational groups. Hospitalization rate for alcohol abuse across all occupational groups for submariners was less than one-half the rate for surface-ship personnel. For drug abuse hospitalizations, submarine personnel had a significantly lower rate in the blue collar occupations. Hospitalization rate for drug abuse across all occupational groups for submariners was about one-half the rate for surface-ship personnel. Reasons for lower alcohol and drug abuse among submariners may be stringent screening, higher levels of education, and severe penalties for substance abuse for submariners.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 09, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA224793
Entities
People
- Lawrence A Palinkas
- Ralph G. Burr
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center