Abstract
This study examines the experiences of a convenience sample of Army National Guard soldiers who were combat exposed during the Iraq War. Thirty-one men volunteered to complete an interview and questionnaires during training weekends. Participants reported significant posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (68% reported re-experiencing and 93% hyperarousal symptoms) based on a PTSD research interview. PTSD severity was associated with more alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, and poorer mental health functional status. These data suggest that combat-exposed soldiers may be at risk for significant PTSD symptoms, higher consumption of substances, and decreased quality of life.
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