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Screening for alcohol problems in the military: recommended tests
J P Allen1, G M Cross, J B Fertig
1National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD 20892-7003, USA.
Military Medicine
|February 18, 1998
Summary
This study introduces two methods for detecting alcohol issues in the military. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and carbohydrate-deficient transferrin measurement can aid in screening, treatment identification, and progress evaluation for military personnel.
Area of Science:
- Military Health
- Addiction Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Alcohol misuse presents significant challenges within military populations.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for personnel well-being and operational readiness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and evaluate novel methods for identifying alcohol problems in a military context.
- To enhance the screening and treatment processes for alcohol use disorders in service members.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), a validated self-report questionnaire.
- Employing carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) as a biochemical marker for recent heavy alcohol consumption.
Main Results:
- The AUDIT is a rapid, self-administered tool suitable for large-scale screening.
- CDT offers a reliable objective measure for assessing recent heavy drinking patterns.
Conclusions:
- These two techniques can improve the selection of military recruits.
- They can assist in identifying personnel requiring treatment and monitoring recovery progress.