[Changes in the use of alcohol and tobacco during introductory military service]

The article presents a prospective study of changes in the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs during the first three months of military service. Previous studies have given diverse conclusions as to the effect of military service on smoking and drinking habits. This study shows a clear tendency towards increased smoking and drinking among the conscripts, in contrast to their own expectations of reducing such habits during the period of service. A large proportion of the young men had suffered alcohol-related injuries before entering military service, several to the extent that they needed medical treatment.