The Association of Risk-Related Behaviors and Mental Health Symptomatology on Problematic Alcohol Use Among U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers

Objective: We sought to examine the association of risk behaviors (i.e., risk perception, risk-taking/impulsivity, and sensation-seeking) and mental health symptomatology (depression, posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], anxiety and anger) on problematic alcohol use (alcohol problems and frequent heavy drinking [FHD]) among United States Army Reserve and National Guard (USAR/NG) soldiers. Methods: Cross-sectional data (N = 343) from Operation: SAFETY (Soldiers And Families Excelling Through the Years), an ongoing study of USAR/NG soldiers were utilized. Negative binomial regression models investigated risk behaviors and alcohol use controlling for age and sex, with interaction models among risk behaviors and mental health symptoms. Results: Greater risk perception was associated with a lower likelihood of alcohol problems (p <.05), and FHD (p <.01). Greater risk-taking/impulsivity was associated with a greater likelihood of alcohol problems (p <.01). Interaction models showed moderate risk-taking/impulsivity and high sensation-seeking with depression predicted greater alcohol problems (p <.01, respectively). Greater sensation-seeking and PTSD symptomatology, and sensation-seeking and anxiety were associated with increased alcohol problems (p <.05, respectively). Moderate risk-taking/impulsivity and depression (p <.05), greater risk perception and greater sensation-seeking and anxiety had the highest probability of FHD (p <.05 and p <.01, respectively). No associations between risk behaviors and anger were observed. Conclusions: This study assesses the combined associations of risk behaviors and mental health on alcohol use among USAR/NG soldiers. USAR/NG soldiers may benefit from alcohol use interventions that target risk-taking/impulsivity, sensation-seeking behaviors, and mental health symptomatology such as depression, PTSD, and anxiety.