Characteristics of U.S. Air Force Members with Stepfamily and Divorce Conditions in Substance Abuse Services
Abstract
This study was an attempt to describe the characteristics of U.S. Air Force (USAF) members with stepfamily and divorce conditions who had received services from USAF substance abuse treatment programs. All available files from clinics at 3 USAF bases for the year 2000 were included in the sample of 330 members. Data were obtained from a record review, a survey instrument, and two focus groups. An attempt was made to determine if characteristics of the sample groups were equivalent to the total population of the USAF, including the 3 Major Commands of each base's clinic. A comparison of sample characteristics with those in the general USAF population indicated equivalency. Out of the sample, two types of family conditions were identified. The first type included members who had been divorced, or who had come from a stepfamily, or who had a stepfamily of their own. The second type included members who had never been divorced, who had parents who had never been divorced, or who had never had stepfamily circumstances of their own. The findings of the stepfamily and divorced member group were as follows: (a) They more often were given alcohol diagnoses; (b) they more often had histories of abuse as offender or victim; (c) they more often had less favorable attitudes toward helping professionals; and (d) they more often perceived barriers to seeking helping professionals. It was concluded that USAF substance abuse treatment clinicians need to be more sensitized and educated to the unique needs of members who have stepfamily and divorce conditions. These persons have needs that often may be overlooked by standards of practice in USAF clinics. This study was only exploratory, but the trends indicated the need for additional research in this area.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA410791
Entities
People
- Carl S. Miller
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology