Marine Corps, Army Report Disproportionate Substance Misuse, Mental Health Issues

According to a RAND study, substance misuse and mental health challenges are disproportionately common in the Marine Corps and Army as compared to other military branches. This article, published by Military Times, provides a synopsis of that study and its conclusion that the reason may have more to do with culture than individual troops.

Researchers compared the services using 2015 Defense Department survey data from nearly 17,000 active-duty troops.

Marines self-reported the highest instance of binge drinking, alcohol dependance and nicotine use, as well as the highest rates of depression and anxiety. The study found that the Army had the highest rates of prescription drug abuse and post-traumatic stress order, while the Air Force and Coast Guard reported the lowest prevalences.

Read more: https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2022/06/24/marine-corps-army-have-disproportionate-amounts-of-substance-abuse-mental-health-issues/