Threat of using alcohol and psychoactive substances in uniformed formations

Abstract

This article explores the threat of using alcohol and psychoactive substances in uni-formed formations. We first examine dysfunctional patterns of alcohol use. Secondly, we scrutinize the use of alcohol by soldiers from a historical perspective. Thirdly, we discuss dysfunctional patterns of alcohol consumption and psychoactive substance use including high-risk behaviors in military contexts. Fourthly, we examine the impact of alcohol and substance consumption in the military. Fifthly, we consider the challenges of alcohol and psychoactive substances in uniformed groups. Sixthly, we study alco-hol consumption in the Norwegian armed forces as an example. Seventhly, we discuss quantitative data obtained from an Indian military sample, using chi-square analyses to check independence between attributes (serving combat soldiers versus other serv-ing armed forces personnel not initiated yet into combat) on alcohol consumption and smoking habits. Finally, based on review of literature and our research, we provide some concluding remarks about the threat of using alcohol and psychoactive substances in uniformed formations.