NCJ Number
121630
Date Published
1988
Length
354 pages
Annotation
This survey, conducted among American active-duty personnel, shows that, in the 1980s, there have been substantial declines in alcohol use, drug use, and cigarette use and in the negative effects associated with alcohol and drug use.
Abstract
While these changes reflect civilian trends, they are also a result of intense military efforts to reduce substance abuse. Among the findings related to alcohol use were that, although 83 percent of military personnel were current drinkers, the average daily consumption has decreased significantly since the 1982 survey, and most personnel do not drink frequently or heavily. The use of any drugs decreased significantly from the 1982 and 1985 surveys; similar decreases were seen for use of marijuana and drugs other than marijuana. The prevalence of cigarette smoking decreased significantly since the 1985 survey, as did the percentage of heavy cigarette smokers. Alcohol-related serious consequences, productivity loss, and alcohol dependence all decreased between 1985 and 1988, but only the decrease in productivity loss was statistically significant. Findings on substance use and health indicate that military personnel engage in good health practices and have made some changes in their behavior in order to improve their health; but greater educational attention needs to focus on hypertension prevention, effective stress management techniques, and the relationship between substance use and illness. While many military personnel are generally knowledgeable about AIDS transmission, educational efforts should be intensified. Military alcohol and drug abuse policies have created an environment conducive to moderate alcohol use and nondrug use. Urinanalysis is an especially effective element of the abuse prevention program. 61 tables, 6 appendixes, 103 references.