Perceptions and Use of Alcohol and Medical Cannabis among Canadian Military Veterans Living with PTSD
Abstract: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common psychiatric diagnosis among Canadian military veterans, and alcohol and medical cannabis are commonly used by this group to cope with PTSD symptoms. This paper is part of a larger study that examined a cohort of 5 veterans, over a 1-year period, who used both medical cannabis and alcohol and were matched with a PTSD service dog. This paper compares the perceptions and use of alcohol and medical cannabis among the veterans to cope with their PTSD symptoms and outlines key implications. Semi-structured interviews offer insight into similarities and differences between the veterans’ perceptions and use of the two substances. Both substances are used by the veterans to manage their PTSD symptoms, typically worsening them if used in excess. Medical cannabis is a prescribed medication; however, it is perceived by the veterans to be associated with a negative discourse and in particular stigma. This is not the case for alcohol. The veterans identified alcohol use as more influenced by social norms and perceived it as more of a concern for addiction compared to medical cannabis. This did not, however, appear to impact the level of alcohol use. These findings offer unique insight into the military culture’s general acceptance of alcohol but not medical cannabis use. This has possible implications for veterans’ use of alcohol and/or medical cannabis to help manage their PTSD symptoms.
Abstract: The unique demands of military life can adversely impact romantic relationships; however, research has mainly focused on these adverse outcomes at one-time point, overlooking changes over time or potential positive outcomes. Using a subsample of 3,845 male and female military personnel and veterans from a large UK dataset, this study examined positive and negative changes in relationship satisfaction between two-time points (2007–2009; 2014–2016). Most participants reported no change in their relationship satisfaction, suggesting stability − 8% reported a positive change and 10% a negative change. Positive change was associated with being in a long-term relationship, alcohol misuse remission, and persistent alcohol misuse. Negative change was associated with the onset of mental health problems (probable PTSD, CMD, or alcohol misuse) and having children under 18. Some factors, like increasing age, childhood family relationship adversity, and mental health problems, were associated with both positive and negative changes in relationship satisfaction. This study highlights the complexity of factors associated with relationship satisfaction among military personnel and veterans, with some experiencing positive changes, as well as negative changes over time.