Risk Factors for Relapse to Problem Drinking Among Current and Former US Military Personnel: A Prospective Study of the Millennium Cohort

Objective. To identify demographic, military, behavioral, and health characteristics associated with relapse among military members with remittent problem drinking. Methods. Remittent problem drinkers were followed for relapse in a large, prospective study of US military service members (n = 6911). Logistic regression models identified demographic, military service, behavioral, and health characteristics that predicted relapse. Results. Fifteen percent of those with remittent problem drinking relapsed. Service members who were in the Reserve/National Guard compared with active-duty members (odds ratio [OR] =1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.45-2.01), separated from the military during follow-up (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.16-1.83), and deployers who reported combat experience (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.07-1.62, relative to non-deployers) were significantly more likely to relapse. Multiple deployments was significantly associated with lower odds of relapse (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.58-0.92). Air Force members were significantly less likely than Army members to relapse (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.65-0.95). Behavioral factors and mental health conditions were also predictors of relapse. Conclusion. Targeted intervention to prevent problem drinking relapse may be indicated for military personnel in particular subgroups, such as Reservists, veterans, and combat deployers.
Published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence, v148 p93-101, 2015.