Risk Factors for Relapse to Problem Drinking Among Current and Former US Military Personnel: A Prospective Study of the Millennium Cohort

Abstract

Objective. To identify demographic, military, behavioral, and health characteristics associated with relapse among military members with remittent problem drinking. Methods. Remittent problem drinkers were followed for relapse in a large, prospective study of US military service members (n = 6911). Logistic regression models identified demographic, military service, behavioral, and health characteristics that predicted relapse. Results. Fifteen percent of those with remittent problem drinking relapsed. Service members who were in the Reserve/National Guard compared with active-duty members (odds ratio [OR] =1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.45-2.01), separated from the military during follow-up (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.16-1.83), and deployers who reported combat experience (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.07-1.62, relative to non-deployers) were significantly more likely to relapse. Multiple deployments was significantly associated with lower odds of relapse (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.58-0.92). Air Force members were significantly less likely than Army members to relapse (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.65-0.95). Behavioral factors and mental health conditions were also predictors of relapse. Conclusion. Targeted intervention to prevent problem drinking relapse may be indicated for military personnel in particular subgroups, such as Reservists, veterans, and combat deployers.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 03, 2015
Accession Number
ADA617718

Entities

People

  • Alyson J. Littman
  • Amber D. Seelig
  • Anna Nagel
  • Charles Maynard
  • Edward J. Boyko
  • Emily C. Williams
  • Isabel Gomez Jacobson
  • Melissa A. Frasco
  • Nancy F Crum-Cianflone

Organizations

  • Naval Health Research Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Active Duty
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Personnel
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Army Personnel
  • Brain Injuries
  • Health Care
  • Health Services
  • Human Behavior
  • Medical Personnel
  • Mental Disorders
  • Mental Health
  • Military Personnel
  • Military Separation
  • National Guard
  • Substance-Related Disorders
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Medicine
  • Psychology

Readers

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