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Changing patterns of drug use among US military recruits before and after enlistment

Author

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  • Bachman, J.G.
  • Freedman-Doan, P.
  • O'Malley, P.M.
  • Johnston, L.D.
  • Segal, D.R.

Abstract

Objectives. The US armed forces adopted 'zero tolerance' policies concerning illicit drug use in 1980 and later developed policies to discourage tobacco and alcohol abuse. This article examines drug use among young active-duty recruits both before and after enlistment, compared with non-military age-mates, and documents historical shifts in such drug use across 2 decades. Methods. Analyses employed longitudinal panel data from 20 nationally representative samples of high school seniors (cohorts of 1976- 1995), each surveyed just before graduation and again within 2 years. Separate analyses for men (n = 12 082) and women (n = 15 345) contrasted those who entered military service, college, and civilian employment. Results. Illicit drug use declined more among young military recruits than among their civilian counterparts. Analyses of male recruits at multiple time periods showed (1) declines in the prevalence of marijuana use and cocaine use after the initiation of routine military drug resting and (2) lower proportions of smokers of half a pack or more of cigarettes per day who entered service after the initiation of tobacco bans during basic training. Conclusions. Recent military drug policies appear to deter illicit drug use among enlistees and discourage some smokers from enlisting.

Suggested Citation

  • Bachman, J.G. & Freedman-Doan, P. & O'Malley, P.M. & Johnston, L.D. & Segal, D.R., 1999. "Changing patterns of drug use among US military recruits before and after enlistment," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 89(5), pages 672-677.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:1999:89:5:672-677_0
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    Cited by:

    1. Marigee Bacolod & Jesse M. Cunha & Yu‐Chu Shen, 2020. "When young soldiers drink: The impact of legal access to alcohol among U.S. Army soldiers," Southern Economic Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 87(2), pages 576-607, October.
    2. Marigee Bacolod & Jesse M. Cunha & Yu-Chu Shen, 2017. "The Impact of Alcohol on Mental Health, Physical Fitness, and Job Performance," NBER Working Papers 23542, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.

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