Alcohol use and trauma exposure among male and female veterans before, during, and after military service.
BACKGROUND: The present study examined lifespan and combat-related trauma exposure as predictors of alcohol use among male and female veterans. Posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms were examined as mediators of the effects of trauma exposure on alcohol use. METHODS: Data were examined from 1825 (1450 male, 375 female) veterans and active duty service members who took part in a multi-site research study conducted through the Department of Veterans Affairs Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (VISN 6 MIRECC). RESULTS: For both men and women, depressive symptoms significantly mediated the effects of non-combat trauma exposure experienced before, during and after the military, as well as combat-exposure, on alcohol use. With posttraumatic stress symptoms, the models for men and women differed. For men, the effects of non-combat trauma exposure during and after military service, and combat exposure, on alcohol use were mediated by PTSD symptoms; however, for women, PTSD symptoms did not mediate these relationships. CONCLUSION: Findings are discussed in the context of potential gender differences in response to trauma such as use of alcohol to cope with traumatic events.
Duke Scholars
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Related Subject Headings
- Young Adult
- Wounds and Injuries
- Veterans
- United States
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- Substance Abuse
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
- Socioeconomic Factors
- Sex Factors
- Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Citation
Published In
DOI
EISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Young Adult
- Wounds and Injuries
- Veterans
- United States
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- Substance Abuse
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
- Socioeconomic Factors
- Sex Factors
- Psychiatric Status Rating Scales