Discover why risk for substance use is higher in military kids. Unveil the impact, statistics, and risk factors.
When a parent serves in the military and is deployed, it can have a significant impact on their children. The stress and separation associated with parental deployment can lead to various challenges, including behavioral issues and an increased risk of substance abuse.
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Children with a deployed parent may experience behavioral problems as a result of the unique circumstances they face. According to studies reported by VA Research Currents, teenagers with a deployed parent sometimes exhibit suicidal thoughts, depression, and lower quality of life. Emotional and conduct problems have also been reported among children of deployed parents.
One concerning consequence of parental deployment is the increased risk of substance abuse among military children. The stress and emotional strain associated with having a parent deployed can potentially contribute to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as turning to substances.
Research cited by VA Research Currents reveals that children with a deployed parent are more likely to engage in substance abuse. Marijuana and alcohol use have been found to increase among these children. In fact, minors staying with other relatives during a parent's deployment had nearly nine times the odds of binge drinking and seven times the odds of recent marijuana use compared to other children their age.
It's important to note that substance abuse risk can be influenced by various factors, including family dynamics, mental health, and the availability of support systems. Spousal mental health, in particular, plays a significant role in the well-being of children with deployed parents. The mental health of the caregiver looking after the children can determine how well the children fare during and after the deployment period.
The impact of parental deployment on military children should not be underestimated. Understanding the challenges they face, including behavioral issues and an increased risk of substance abuse, is essential for providing appropriate support and resources to help these children navigate these difficult circumstances.
Growing up in a military family comes with its own set of challenges and unique experiences. Children of military parents often face various behavioral and emotional effects, including an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and depression, as well as potential impacts on their quality of life.
For teenagers, parental deployment can sometimes lead to feelings of hopelessness, increased stress, and a higher risk of developing suicidal thoughts and depression. Studies have reported that children of deployed parents may experience more emotional and conduct problems compared to their peers. It is important to recognize the potential impact of parental deployment on the mental health of military children and provide them with appropriate support and resources.
The prevalence of suicide deaths among active-duty military and veterans exceeds the rate for the general population. In 2016, the suicide rate was 1.5 times greater for veterans than for non-veteran adults. Substance use often precedes suicidal behavior in the military, with alcohol or drug use being involved in a significant portion of suicide attempts [2]. It is crucial to address mental health concerns and provide accessible mental health care for military children to help mitigate the risk of suicidal thoughts and depression.
Parental deployment and the associated stressors can also impact the overall quality of life for military children. The absence of a parent due to deployment can create emotional and psychological strain, leading to feelings of loneliness and a sense of instability. These factors can contribute to a lower quality of life for military children compared to their non-military peers.
It is important to recognize and address the challenges faced by military children in order to improve their quality of life. Providing access to mental health care, counseling services, and support groups can help military children navigate the emotional and behavioral effects associated with parental deployment. Additionally, fostering a supportive and understanding environment within schools and communities can play a crucial role in enhancing the overall well-being of military children.
By acknowledging and addressing the behavioral and emotional effects that military children may experience, we can work towards providing the necessary support systems to help them cope with the unique challenges they face. It is important to prioritize their mental health and well-being, ensuring that they receive the care and resources they need to thrive.
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The unique circumstances faced by military kids, particularly those with a deployed parent, can contribute to an increased risk of substance use. Understanding the substance use statistics among military kids is essential in addressing this issue. In this section, we will explore the statistics related to alcohol and binge drinking as well as marijuana and illicit drugs.
Children of deployed parents may be more susceptible to engaging in risky behaviors, including alcohol consumption and binge drinking. Research has shown that marijuana and alcohol use increased among children of deployed parents, with minors staying with other relatives having nearly nine times the odds of binge drinking and seven times the odds of recent marijuana use compared to other children their age [1].
It is crucial to address the underlying reasons behind these increased rates of alcohol and binge drinking among military kids. Factors such as stress, disruption of routines, and separation from their deployed parent can contribute to these behaviors. Implementing preventive measures and providing support to military families can help mitigate the risks associated with alcohol use in this population.
In addition to alcohol, military kids may also face an increased risk of marijuana and illicit drug use. Studies have found that children of deployed parents are more likely to engage in marijuana use compared to their peers. The stressors associated with parental deployment, coupled with potential disruptions in their living arrangements, may contribute to this heightened risk.
Addressing substance use among military kids requires a comprehensive approach that focuses on prevention, education, and support. By providing resources and promoting open dialogue within military families, we can help reduce the likelihood of substance use among these vulnerable populations.
It is important to note that the statistics mentioned above highlight the trends observed among military kids. However, each individual's circumstances and experiences can vary. Encouraging healthy coping mechanisms, promoting communication, and fostering a supportive environment are essential in addressing the risk of substance use among military kids. For more information on substance use prevention programs, please visit our article on substance use prevention programs.
In the next section, we will delve into the risk factors associated with substance use among military kids, including family mental health and disrupted living arrangements.
Growing up in a military family can present unique challenges for children, including an increased risk for substance use. Two key risk factors for military kids are family mental health and disrupted living arrangements.
The mental health of the caregiver looking after military children plays a significant role in their overall well-being. Research has shown that spousal mental health is closely linked to how well children fare during and after a parental deployment. A caregiver's mental health can impact the level of support and stability provided to the children.
During a parent's deployment, there is an increased utilization of mental and behavioral health care services for children. Deployment of a parent has been associated with an 11% increase in outpatient visits for mental and behavioral health care complaints. Older children, particularly those between the ages of 3 and 8 years, showed the highest increase in visits. Furthermore, deployment was linked to a 17.2% increase in prescriptions of antidepressants and a 10% increase in antianxiety prescriptions for children [3].
The frequent deployments and relocations that come with military life can disrupt the stability of living arrangements for military children. These disruptions can have a significant impact on their emotional well-being and increase their vulnerability to substance use.
Studies have shown that parental deployment is correlated with increased emotional and behavioral difficulties in children of all age groups. Family communication before, during, and after deployment has been identified as an important protective factor for children's response to deployment. Maintaining open lines of communication can help mitigate the effects of disrupted living arrangements and provide a sense of stability for military children.
Additionally, the frequent moves associated with military life can lead to changes in schools, social networks, and support systems. These disruptions can make it more challenging for military children to establish a sense of belonging and stability, increasing their vulnerability to risk factors such as substance use.
Understanding the risk factors that military children face is crucial for developing effective prevention and support strategies. By addressing family mental health and providing stability in living arrangements, we can help mitigate the risks and promote the well-being of military kids.
Military children face unique challenges due to the impact of parental deployment and the constant changes in their living arrangements. These challenges can lead to various health concerns, including increased maltreatment rates and the need for mental health care visits.
During periods of parental deployment, rates of child maltreatment in active duty families have been found to increase. Research shows that the rate of maltreatment is 42% higher when a parent is deployed compared to when a parent is not deployed [3]. Female nonmilitary spouses were identified as the most common perpetrators of maltreatment in active Army families. Departure and return periods were also identified as particularly risky times for abuse.
The rates of maltreatment can be even higher for children living with neither a parent nor a relative. These disruptions in living arrangements contribute to an elevated risk of engaging in binge drinking and marijuana use among military kids.
Parental deployment can also have an impact on the mental and behavioral health of military children, leading to an increase in the need for mental health care visits. Studies have shown that deployment of a parent is associated with an 11% increase in outpatient visits for mental and behavioral health care complaints in children. Older children within the age group of 3 to 8 years tend to show the highest increase in visits.
In addition to the increased outpatient visits, parental deployment is also linked to an increase in prescriptions of antidepressants (17.2% increase) and antianxiety medications (10% increase) for children. These findings highlight the psychological impact of parental deployment on military children and the importance of providing appropriate mental health support.
It is crucial to address these health concerns and provide adequate support for military children throughout the deployment process. By recognizing the increased risk of maltreatment and the need for mental health care visits, steps can be taken to mitigate these challenges and ensure the well-being of military kids.
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Understanding the prevalence of substance use disorders and prescription drug misuse among military kids is crucial for highlighting the unique challenges they face. By comparing the rates of these issues with the general population, we can gain insights into the specific risks faced by military kids.
Veterans have a slightly higher prevalence of substance use disorders (SUDs) compared to the general population. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than one in ten veterans are diagnosed with a substance use disorder. Among male veterans aged 18–25 years, the rates of substance use disorders were higher in veterans compared to civilians in the same age group.
It's important to note that the prevalence of substance use disorders can vary depending on factors such as deployment experiences, combat exposure, and mental health conditions. Substance use disorders can have a significant impact on the overall well-being and functioning of military kids.
Misuse of prescription drugs is another concern in the military community. Among active-duty service members, just over 4% reported misusing one or more types of prescription drugs in the past year. The percentage of service members using pain relievers in the past month decreased by nearly half from 2011 to 2015, reflecting prevention and appropriate prescribing initiatives by the Department of Defense.
It's worth noting that the military has taken steps to address prescription drug misuse through education, monitoring, and intervention programs. However, continued efforts are necessary to ensure the well-being of military kids and reduce the risk of prescription drug misuse.
Comparing the rates of substance use disorders and prescription drug misuse between military kids and the general population sheds light on the unique challenges faced by military families. By understanding these differences, we can develop targeted interventions and support systems to address the specific needs of military kids and mitigate the risks associated with substance use.
[1]: https://www.research.va.gov
[2]: https://nida.nih.gov/publications
