Does substance use differ by veteran status in young adult males ages 18-44?

Introduction: There are conflicting findings regarding differences in prevalence of substance use (tobacco/alcohol) between veteran and nonveteran males. The purpose of this study was to assess whether substance use differs by veteran status in young adult males in the general population. Methods: This was a cross sectional analysis that used the 2017 data from BRFSS for veteran and nonveteran males ages 18-44 from California, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington. Ordered logistic analysis by state was conducted to assess the relationship between veteran status and substance use after controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related factors. Results: For males ages 18-44, more than one-third of participants reported no alcohol use and around one-fourth reported excessive alcohol use. The majority of participants reported never using tobacco and around one-fifth reported current tobacco use. The results of adjusted analysis indicated that substance use wasn't significantly related to veteran status across states. However, tobacco use was significantly related to general health, mental health, and health conditions and alcohol use was significantly related to mental health status across states. Conclusion: Overall, substance use did not differ by veteran status. Therefore, practitioners should continue screening for substance use in young adult males ages 18-44, regardless of veteran status. Education about the potential harm and health risks of substance use should be provided. Additionally, if signs of either alcohol misuse or smoking are present, providers should provide resources for both and referrals for alcohol misuse treatment programs and/or smoking cessation.