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.