Problematic Prescription Drug Use Among Canadian Armed Forces Veterans: Data from the Canadian Armed Forces Members...

Problematic prescription drug use (PPDU) is a public health concern that can cause degradation of wellbeing. Examination of prevalence and correlates of PPDU in Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veterans is essential to understand its impact and to identify those at risk. This study aimed to assess correlates of PPDU among CAF Veterans, including sociodemographic characteristics and physical and mental disorders.

Data were drawn from the 2018 CAF Members and Veterans Mental Health Follow-up Survey (n = 1,922), all of whom indicated Veteran status at the time of the survey. PPDU was defined as utilization of a prescription drug without a prescription, in excess to the amount prescribed, for recreational purposes, or to a level where the individual felt they could not stop usage. PPDU included three categories of substances: sedatives/tranquilizers, stimulants, and analgesics.

Nine percent of Veterans indicated PPDU in the past year, while 16.8% endorsed PPDU in their lifetime. Being unpartnered increased the odds of PPDU, while older age, air environment, and officer rank were associated with lower odds. Past-year presence of a mental disorder, alcohol use disorder, suicidal behavior, chronic pain condition, and greater number of physical health conditions demonstrated positive associations with PPDU (Adjusted Odds Ratios [AORs] ranging from 1.36 to 5.31). Increasing number of traumatic events and deployment-related experiences led to greater odds of PPDU (AORs of 1.12 and 1.16, respectively).

Results highlight the vulnerability of the CAF Veteran population to PPDU. Correlates noted may aid in the development of supports to promote the mental health of Veterans.