Binge Drinking, Drinking and Driving, and Riding with a Driver Who Had Been Drinking Heavily among Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Personnel
Authors: Vander Weg, Mark W.1; DeBon, Margaret2; Sherrill-Mittleman, Deborah3; Klesges, Robert C.1; Relyea, George E.3
Source: Military Medicine, Volume 171, Number 2, February 2006 , pp. 177-183(7)
Publisher: AMSUS - Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.
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Abstract:
Heavy drinking is associated with significant health problems and increased risk for injury and death. Although several studies have investigated alcohol use among active duty and civilian populations, little is known about the alcohol use patterns of reserve personnel. This study examined the prevalence and correlates of binge drinking, driving after drinking, and riding in a vehicle with a driver who had consumed alcohol among 4,836 guardsmen and reservists who were taking part in basic military training (mean age = 21.3 years; 29.4% female). Forty-six percent reported one or more binge drinking episodes in the month before basic military training. Four percent drove after consuming five or more drinks, while 8.9% rode as a passenger with a driver who had been drinking heavily. Several demographic, behavioral, and attitudinal correlates of risky drinking patterns were identified. Findings have potentially important implications for the health, safety, and military readiness of reserve personnel.Document Type: Research article
Affiliations: 1: The Nicotine Dependence Center Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Colonial Building BA-9, 200 First Street, SW, Rochester, MN 55905. 2: Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, 66 North Pauline, Suite 633, Memphis, TN 38105. 3: The University of Memphis Center for Community Health, 5050 Poplar Avenue, Suite 1800, Memphis, TN 38157.
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