Female veterans of the OEF/OIF conflict: Concordance of PTSD symptoms and substance misuse

Authors

Sarah E. Nunnink, Veterans Affairs Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health
Gali Goldwaser, VA San Diego Healthcare System
Pia S. Heppner, Veterans Affairs Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health
James O.E. Pittman, Veterans Affairs Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health
Caroline M. Nievergelt, University of California - San Diego
Dewleen G. Baker, University of California - San Diego

Date of this Version

2010

Citation

Addictive Behaviors 35 (2010) 655–659; doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2010.03.006

Abstract

This study examined the post-deployment rates of comorbid PTSD and substance abuse in a cohort of female veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF). Female OEF/ OIF veterans and reservists (N=36) completed a battery of assessments as part of a larger study. Of the 36 participants, 11 (31%) screened positive for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 17 (47%) screened positive for high-risk drinking and 2 (6%) screened positive for drug abuse. Higher scores on measures of alcohol and drug use predicted positive PTSD status (p≤0.01) and alcohol misuse was significant in explaining unique variance of PTSD status (p≤0.05). Our findings suggest a trend toward increased problematic drinking among female OEF/OIF veterans and reservists and a relationship between substance misuse and PTSD. Future research should investigate needs for gender-specific PTSD and substance-abuse treatment needs.