Citation

Trent L, Stander V, Thomsen C, Merrill L. Alcohol Alcohol. 2007; 42(44): 370-375.

Affiliation

Naval Health Research Center, Behavioral Science and Epidemiology Program San Diego, CA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/alcalc/agm036

PMID

17533164

Abstract

AIMS: To examine relationships between childhood maltreatment and alcohol-related problems among U.S. Navy recruits. METHODS: An anonymous sample of 5697 Navy recruits completed a survey regarding their alcohol consumption, alcohol problems (binge drinking, drinking until drunk, alcohol dependence, alcohol-related arrests), and experiences of childhood physical and sexual abuse. RESULTS: Most of the recruits used alcohol, and a substantial proportion reported histories of childhood maltreatment. Recruits who had been victimized as children were more likely to use alcohol. Furthermore, among drinkers, those who had been abused were more likely to exhibit alcohol problems than were non-abused drinkers. CONCLUSION: Substantial numbers of personnel with alcohol-related problems may be using alcohol to self-medicate due to a history of childhood abuse. Attention to the association between alcohol abuse and childhood maltreatment might help improve the efficacy of military alcohol reduction programs.

Language: en