Substance Abuse Risk in Military Kids
Military children face unique challenges that can contribute to an increased risk of substance abuse. The impact of parental deployment and the behavioral and emotional effects on these children play a significant role in their susceptibility to substance abuse.
Impact of Parental Deployment
Parental deployment, a common experience in military families, can have profound effects on children. Studies have consistently shown that children of currently or recently deployed parents have higher rates of substance use compared to children of parents who are not in the military [1]. The effects are consistent across different grades, including 6th, 8th, and 11th grades. The stress and anxiety associated with having a parent deployed in a war zone can contribute to increased substance use and behavioral problems among these children [2].
Behavioral and Emotional Effects
The emotional and behavioral effects of parental deployment on military children are well-documented. Children of all ages experience heightened emotional and behavioral difficulties when their parents are deployed. Younger children may exhibit attachment difficulties, difficulty sleeping, bedwetting, nightmares, and excessive clinginess. They may also have difficulty trusting the deployed parent or respecting their authority. Older children and adolescents may struggle with emotional regulation and exhibit signs of depression, anxiety, and anger.
Research has shown that parental deployment is associated with increased behavioral and emotional difficulties in children of all age groups. Young children between the ages of 3 and 5 with a deployed parent have been found to have higher levels of internalizing, externalizing, and total psychiatric symptom scores compared to children with non-deployed parents. These difficulties can contribute to an increased vulnerability to substance abuse as children may turn to substances as a means of coping with their feelings or as a way to fit in with their peers.
Understanding the impact of parental deployment and the behavioral and emotional effects on military children is crucial in addressing the increased risk of substance abuse. By providing appropriate support, education, and intervention strategies, it is possible to mitigate these risks and promote the well-being of military children.
Substance Use Statistics
The risk for substance abuse is higher in military kids compared to their counterparts in non-military families. Various studies have highlighted the increased rates of substance use among children of currently or recently deployed parents in the military. These rates encompass alcohol use, binge drinking, marijuana use, other illegal drug use, and prescription drug misuse. The effects are consistent across different grade levels.
Rates of Substance Use
The rates of substance use among military kids are significantly higher compared to children in non-military families. The following table illustrates the differences in risk for substance use:
Substance UseRisk DifferenceAlcohol Use7.85Binge Drinking8.02Marijuana Use5.30Other Illegal Drug Use7.10Prescription Drug Misuse8.58
These figures indicate the heightened risk experienced by military kids when it comes to substance use [5].
Factors Contributing to Risk
Several factors contribute to the increased risk of substance abuse among military kids. Parental deployment is a significant stressor, causing emotional and behavioral problems in children. The anxiety of having a parent in a war zone, coupled with frequent moves and disrupted living arrangements, further accentuates the risk for substance use and behavioral problems among these children.
The unique stressors faced by military kids can lead to coping mechanisms that involve substance use. Additionally, the lack of stability and the challenges associated with the absence of a deployed parent can contribute to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression, increasing the vulnerability to substance abuse.
Understanding the rates of substance use and the contributing factors is crucial in addressing the needs of military kids. By recognizing these risk factors, appropriate interventions and support systems can be implemented to help mitigate the negative impact of these stressors and reduce the likelihood of substance abuse.
Family Dynamics
When it comes to the risk of substance abuse in military kids, family dynamics, particularly those related to the military lifestyle, play a significant role. Two important factors within the realm of family dynamics are sibling influence and disrupted living arrangements.
Sibling Influence
Having a sibling in the military and experiencing sibling deployment has been found to be statistically significant in terms of substance use and depressive symptoms among children from military families [2]. The presence of a sibling in the military can impact a child's perception and behavior, potentially influencing their susceptibility to substance abuse. Siblings can serve as role models, and exposure to substance use or misuse within the sibling's military environment can contribute to an increased risk of substance abuse in military kids.
Disrupted Living Arrangements
Disrupted living arrangements also contribute to the higher risk of substance abuse in military kids. Children with a deployed parent who are not living with a parent or relative have a significantly increased likelihood of substance use [1]. The absence of a parent due to deployment, coupled with an unstable living situation, can create additional stressors for children. The lack of consistent parental supervision and support, combined with the potential sense of instability, can contribute to higher rates of substance abuse.
Children living with neither a parent nor a relative have an even higher risk of engaging in binge drinking and marijuana use. The impact of disrupted living arrangements on substance use risk among military kids is evident, with the highest risk observed in children with a deployed parent who are not living with a parent or relative.
Understanding the influence of sibling dynamics and the impact of disrupted living arrangements can help identify risk factors and develop targeted interventions to mitigate the risk of substance abuse in military kids. By providing support and stability within the family unit, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of substance abuse and promote the well-being of children in military families.
Mental Health Implications
The unique challenges faced by military kids, particularly related to parental deployment and disrupted living arrangements, can have significant implications for their mental health. Two key areas of concern are behavioral disorders and stress and adjustment disorders.
Behavioral Disorders
Parental deployment has been associated with increased behavioral difficulties in children of all age groups, which can contribute to a higher risk of substance abuse in military kids [4]. Children between the ages of 3 and 5 with a deployed parent have been found to report higher levels of internalizing, externalizing, and total psychiatric symptom scores compared to children with non-deployed parents.
According to the Canadian Paediatric Society, mental and behavioral health visits in children aged 3 to 8 years increased by 11% when a military parent was deployed. Specifically, behavioral disorders increased by 19% in this population. These disorders can manifest in various ways, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and more. They can significantly impact a child's daily functioning, social interactions, and overall well-being.
Stress and Adjustment Disorders
The stress and uncertainty experienced by military kids due to parental deployment and disrupted living arrangements can contribute to the development of stress and adjustment disorders. Children whose parents were deployed for more than 11 months had the highest increase in mental health cases, with the most pronounced effects relating to acute stress disorder, adjustment disorders, behavioral disorders, and depression. These disorders can significantly impact a child's emotional well-being, causing symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, and more.
The increased risk of substance abuse in military kids can be further exacerbated by these mental health implications. It is crucial to recognize and address these challenges to provide the necessary support and intervention for children in military families.
Understanding the mental health implications faced by military kids is essential in developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. By providing education, support, and access to mental health services, we can help mitigate the risk of substance abuse and promote the well-being of these resilient children.
Preventative Measures
With the understanding that the risk for substance abuse is higher in military kids, it is essential to implement preventative measures to address this issue. Education and support, along with intervention strategies, play a crucial role in mitigating the risk factors associated with substance abuse among military kids.
Education and Support
Education is a key component in preventing substance abuse among military kids. Military leaders should receive education on how to identify substance use disorders, where to refer service members for treatment, and how to provide non-judgmental support. It is important to tailor the response to substance use disorders in service members with sensitivity to national cultural norms and military cultural understandings.
Military health care providers should also play a significant role in providing education and support. They should refrain from reporting the provision of substance use disorder education and mental health treatment until the point of definitive diagnosis to unit leadership, unless there is concern for safety or mission impact. Early intervention can prevent the development of more severe substance use disorders.
Moreover, military leaders should ensure clear policies exist to address alcohol and drug use among service members, establish positive morale in units, and invest in programs that teach coping skills for deployment stressors. These measures aim to reduce the risk of substance use disorders among service members.
Intervention Strategies
Intervention strategies are vital in addressing substance abuse among military kids. Service members can access TRICARE health system programs for intensive outpatient treatment for substance use disorders. Behavioral interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication-assisted therapy, and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous are available for service members struggling with substance use disorders [7].
It is crucial to identify and address the underlying factors that place service members at risk of substance use disorders. Factors such as young age, high demands in the line of service, military sexual trauma, and combat exposure contribute to the increased risk of developing a substance use disorder among service members. By recognizing these risk factors, intervention strategies can be tailored to address the unique needs of military kids and mitigate the risk of substance abuse.
Implementing comprehensive intervention strategies that encompass education, support, and targeted treatment options is crucial in minimizing the risk of substance abuse among military kids. By providing the necessary resources, education, and support, we can create a supportive environment that promotes the well-being and resilience of military kids, reducing the likelihood of detrimental substance abuse behaviors.
Treatment Options
When it comes to addressing substance abuse in military kids, there are various treatment options available. These options aim to provide support and interventions to help these children overcome substance use disorders. Two commonly utilized treatment options are TRICARE programs and behavioral interventions.
TRICARE Programs
TRICARE health system programs offer a range of treatment options for substance use disorders among service members and their families. These programs provide access to intensive outpatient treatment, which can be beneficial for military kids struggling with substance abuse. The treatment typically includes counseling and therapy sessions, aimed at addressing the underlying causes and triggers of substance use [7].
The TRICARE programs may incorporate various behavioral interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with substance abuse. Medication-assisted therapy, as well as support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, may also be part of the treatment plan. These programs provide a comprehensive approach to tackling substance use disorders and promote long-term recovery.
Behavioral Interventions
Behavioral interventions play a crucial role in the treatment of substance use disorders among military kids. These interventions often involve therapy sessions with trained professionals who specialize in addiction and mental health. The goal is to help these children develop coping mechanisms, identify triggers, and learn healthier ways to manage stress and emotions.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used behavioral intervention that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with substance abuse. It helps individuals develop strategies to resist cravings, cope with triggers, and build essential life skills. CBT can be effective in addressing the underlying factors contributing to substance use disorders in military kids.
In addition to CBT, other behavioral interventions may include family therapy, which involves the child's family members in the treatment process. This approach helps to enhance communication, resolve conflicts, and provide support to the child during their recovery journey. Support groups, such as peer support programs or counseling sessions with others who have experienced similar challenges, can also be beneficial for military kids struggling with substance abuse.
By utilizing TRICARE programs and incorporating various behavioral interventions, military kids facing substance use disorders can receive the necessary support and treatment to overcome their challenges. It is crucial for military health care providers and leaders to have a comprehensive understanding of these treatment options and to provide non-judgmental support to ensure the well-being and recovery of these children.
