Male veterans have higher substance abuse

ROCKVILLE, Md., Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Female U.S. veterans ages 20-39 are less likely to engage in binge drinking, smoke cigarettes or use illicit drugs than male veterans, researchers say.

A report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration finds 22.9 percent of female veterans ages 20-39 reported binge drinking -- five or more drinks on the same occasion -- in the past month. Among male veterans in the same age group, 43.2 percent reported binge drinking.

The 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health collected data by administering questionnaires to a representative sample of the U.S. military population through face-to-face interviews at their places of residence and found 13.1 percent of male veterans used illicit drugs in the past month vs. 9.6 percent of female veterans.

In addition, the survey indicates within the past month cigarette use for male veterans was 40.9 percent, while it was 33.4 percent for female veterans.

"Although this survey finds some striking differences in the levels of substance use among female and male veterans, it is important to remember that many female veterans may have other critical behavioral healthcare needs due to the unique conditions they may have experienced during their service," Pamela S. Hyde, SAMHSA administrator says in a statement. "Thus it is essential that comprehensive behavioral healthcare services are provided to meet the challenges facing all veterans."