Predicting alcohol and drug abuse in Persian Gulf War veterans: What role do PTSD symptoms play?
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Shipherd, J.C., Stafford, J., & Tanner, L.R. (2005). Predicting alcohol and drug abuse in Persian Gulf War veterans: What role do PTSD symptoms play? Addictive Behaviors, 30(3), 595-599. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2004.07.004
Abstract Created by REACH:
Longitudinal data was collected in three time points: a). immediately upon returning from deployment, b). 18-24 months post deployment, and c). six years post deployment. 1,006 Persian Gulf War Veterans were studied to evaluate the use of alcohol and drugs to cope with three symptom clusters of PTSD (i.e., arousal, avoidance, and re-experiencing). PTSD symptoms 18-24 months post deployment were correlated with alcohol use.
Focus:
Deployment
Mental health
Substance use
Veterans
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Air Force
Army
Navy
Coast Guard
Marine Corps
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Guard/Reserve member
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Methodology:
Empirical Study
Longitudinal Study
Quantitative Study
Authors:
Shipherd, Jillian C., Stafford, Jane, Tanner, Lynlee R.
Abstract:
This study is a prospective longitudinal examination of symptoms of drug and alcohol use (SUD) and PTSD symptoms in 1006 veterans in the 6 years (T3) following return from the Persian Gulf War (PGW). Both alcohol and drug use at T3 were significantly correlated with demographic variables and all three types of PTSD symptoms (reexperiencing, avoidance, and arousal) as measured at T2. Hierarchical regressions were conducted to examine the self-medication hypothesis, which was supported for drug use but not for alcohol use at T3.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
Elsevier Science
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Author Affiliation:
Boston University School of Medicine, JCS
VA Boston Healthcare System, National Center for PTSD, JS
VA Boston Healthcare System, National Center for PTSD, LRT
Keywords:
veterans, posttraumatic stress disorder, substance abuse
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary