Premium
Problems with social acceptance and social victimization predict substance use among U.S. Reserve/Guard soldiers
Author(s) -
Hoopsick Rachel A.,
Vest Bonnie M.,
Homish D. Lynn,
Homish Gregory G.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
stress and health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.009
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 1532-2998
pISSN - 1532-3005
DOI - 10.1002/smi.2934
Subject(s) - psychology , poison control , odds , injury prevention , psychiatry , clinical psychology , environmental health , medicine , logistic regression
Abstract The effects of negative social interactions/experiences on substance use have largely been studied in civilian populations, but less is known about United States Army Reserve/National Guard (USAR/NG) soldiers—a high‐risk group. We examined the associations between problems with social acceptance, social victimization, and substance use among USAR/NG soldiers, and examined potential differences by deployment history. The sample consisted of soldiers who completed baseline and 1‐year follow‐up assessments ( N = 445) of Operation: SAFETY, an ongoing study of USAR/NG soldiers. We examined the effects of baseline problems with social acceptance/social victimization on nonmedical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD), illicit drug use, frequent heavy drinking (FHD), and alcohol problems at follow‐up. Significant effects were small in magnitude but consistent in direction. Greater problems with social acceptance were associated with higher odds of NMUPD and illicit drug use. Greater social victimization was associated with higher odds of NMUPD and illicit drug use. There were no differences by deployment history. Problems with social acceptance/social victimization were not associated with FHD or alcohol problems. Problems with social acceptance/social victimization may contribute to drug use among USAR/NG soldiers. Intervention programs should address social issues, regardless of deployment history.