The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an alcohol use reduction program for Marine Corps personnel on drinking behavior and alcohol-related problems. This study was conducted with three Marine Corps battalions before and during deployment to Okinawa, Japan. Two intervention group battalions received an educational, interactive alcohol use reduction program tailored for Marines. A third battalion was designated as the control group. Intervention effects on self-reported alcohol use behavior and alcohol-related problems were evaluated at 3- and 6-months post-baseline and rates of alcohol-related legal incidents, substance abuse counseling referrals, and on-base alcohol sales were tracked over the study period. There were no significant differences in the number of drinks consumed per day during the study in either intervention group or the control group at the 3- or 6-month follow-up. Compared to the control group, Intervention Group 1 (IG1) showed an increase in their drinking days per month (p<0.001) while Intervention Group 2 (IG2) showed no significant change in drinking days per month at the 3-month follow-up. Compared to the control group, IG2 had a significantly lower rate of substance abuse counseling referrals (p<0.05), while IG1 had a higher rate of alcohol sales (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in the rate of alcohol-related legal events among the groups. Findings suggest that the alcohol reduction program did not significantly affect drinking behavior or alcohol-related problems among this sample of Marines. Additional research is needed with a focus on external factors that effect program implementation to evaluate the program.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Alcohol Use, Prevention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.