https://aub.ie/MilitaryREACH-Derefinko18TRIP

Derefinko, K. J., Troy, A. H., Isaacs, M. B., Salgado Garcia, F. I., Colvin, L. W., Zoran, B. ,… Klesges, R. C. (2018). Substance use and psychological distress before and after the military to civilian transition. Military Medicine, 183, (5-6), e258–e265. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usx082

The current study investigated substance use and psychological distress in veterans of the United States military who served a minimum of 12 months on active duty. Veterans (N = 80) located across different states in the U.S. were recruited through word of mouth, starting with five veterans (i.e., snowball recruitment). Each participant anonymously provided answers via an online survey which consisted of questions regarding substance use, emotional distress, and perceptions of other veterans. Findings suggest that there was an increase in marijuana and hard drug use from active duty to post-separation. Additionally, emotional distress did not change significantly over time with the exception of feelings of isolation.

https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usx082

Mental health
Substance use
Veterans

Air Force
Army
Marine Corps
Multiple branches

Active Duty
Veteran

Active duty service member
Veteran

Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Aged (65 yrs & older)

Cross-sectional study
Quantitative study

Derefinko, Karen J., Hallsell, Troy A., Isaacs, Matthew B., Salgado Garcia, Francisco I., Colvin, Lauren W., Bursac, Zoran, McDevitt-Murphy, Meghan E., Murphy, James G., Little, Melissa A., Talcott, Gerald W., Klesges, Robert C.

Background: Those currently serving in the military constitute a vulnerable population given their high-risk status for substance use, and population data suggest that veterans continue to engage in significant substance use long after their military service ends. Recent research suggests that the separation transition from active duty to civilian life may be critical in terms of the future functioning of the veteran. Methods: We sought to explore substance use prevalence, as well as potential emotional distress among veterans by retrospectively assessing substance use during active duty and following separation to examine possible changes in use over this period. This study assessed substance use and emotional distress in veterans (N = 80; 90% male) across the military to civilian transition. Findings: Repeated measures tests indicated that endorsement of alcohol use, cigarette use, and prescription drug misuse was similar during active duty and post-separation, and marijuana and hard drug use endorsement increased significantly in the 6-mo period post-separation. Further, comorbid use of different substances was common. Active duty levels of anxiety/depression and aggressive feelings were maintained from active duty to post-separation, and feeling alone and military-based trauma symptoms increased significantly. Finally, participants indicated that only a minority of the veterans they knew were doing emotionally well or did not have alcohol/ substance use issues. Discussion: These findings indicate a clear need for substance use and psychological intervention availability before and after transition to enable veterans to transition to civilian life effectively. Based on the many issues at work during the transition process, programs may do well to focus more specifically on identification of problems and raising awareness, rather than awaiting more severe issues in the future. Validation of the difficulties of the separation transition, veterans’ feelings of isolation, and the importance of veteran community support may help newly transitioning veterans find advocates who may help them navigate existing assistance programs.

Oxford

Article
REACH Publication

Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, KJD
Department of History, The University of Memphis, TAH
Department of History, The University of Memphis, MBI
Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, FISG
Research Informatics for the Cancer Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, LWC
Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, ZB
Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, MEM
Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, JGM
Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, MAL
Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, GWT
Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, RCK