Oral

Although the prevalence of tobacco and illicit drug use among active duty military service members has declined in recent years, a recent survey reported that the prevalence of prescription drug misuse among active duty personnel nearly tripled from 2005 to 2008. Studies show increased substance abuse disorders among veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq versus non-deployed service members, as well as increased risk for substance abuse disorders over time for veterans of earlier conflicts. Additionally, individuals with a substance use disorder are 3 to 4 times more likely to use tobacco than individuals without a substance abuse disorder. Nicotine dependence leads to more mortality and morbidity than other substances, yet tobacco use is not commonly a focus of substance abuse disorder treatment. Finally, substance use predisposes youth to various negative health outcomes and social consequences.

Session Objectives: Describe the relationship between deployment and substance use in the military. Describe the relationship between military service and substance use. Describe substance use in the military at different life stages.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)