Hospitalization rates for alcoholism in the Navy and Marine Corps

Hospitalization rates for alcoholism were determined for Navy and Marine Corps male enlisted personnel during the period Fiscal Year 1966-Fiscal Year 1969. Overall rates were 74 and 44 per 100,000 for the Navy and Marine Corps, respectively. These rates were high compared with male civilian populations of the same age range; the high incidence may be secondary to such factors as separation from families, a social milieu that encourages drinking and close sjrveillance by superiors and associates. The rate of first hospital admissions is a gross under-estimate of the total alcoholism problem. Alcoholic cases probably are often given other diagnoses early in the course of their illness. Actual prevalence of alcoholism cannot be determined directly at the present time, but reasonable estimates would be in the range of 2-3% of all naval personnell. Admissions for alcoholism show wide seasonal variations, suggesting the importance of administrative factors such as bed space, staff availability, and possibly diagnostic inexperience and inaccuracy.