Problematic Prescription Drug Use Among Canadian Armed Forces Veterans
Data from the Canadian Armed Forces Members and Veterans Mental Health Follow-Up Survey (CAFVMHS)
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21645286 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Danielle Schwartz (0000-0002-7015-9733, University of Manitoba), Essence Perera (0000-0003-2261-1323, University of Manitoba), Tracie O Afifi (0000-0002-3745-9785, University of Manitoba), Murray W Enns (0000-0002-8375-0151, University of Manitoba), Christine Leong (0000-0003-0033-6877, University of Manitoba), Cara Katz (0000-0001-8324-3486, University of Manitoba), Jitender Sareen (0000-0001-8573-6495, University of Manitoba), Shay-Lee Bolton (0000-0002-0750-4266, University of Manitoba, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 61 |
| Issue | 8 |
| Pages | 1137-1145 |
| Publication date | 2026-07-03 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Substance Use & Misuse (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1082-6084 • E-ISSN: 1532-2491 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/10826084.2025.2597461 |
| PMID | 41388995 |
| OpenAlex | W4417298748 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 46 |
BACKGROUND: Problematic prescription drug use (PPDU) is a public health concern that can cause degradation of wellbeing. Examination of prevalence and correlates of PPDU in Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veterans is essential to understand its impact and to identify those at risk. This study aimed to assess correlates of PPDU among CAF Veterans, including sociodemographic characteristics and physical and mental disorders. METHODS: = 1,922), all of whom indicated Veteran status at the time of the survey. PPDU was defined as utilization of a prescription drug without a prescription, in excess to the amount prescribed, for recreational purposes, or to a level where the individual felt they could not stop usage. PPDU included three categories of substances: sedatives/tranquilizers, stimulants, and analgesics. RESULTS: Nine percent of Veterans indicated PPDU in the past year, while 16.8% endorsed PPDU in their lifetime. Being unpartnered increased the odds of PPDU, while older age, air environment, and officer rank were associated with lower odds. Past-year presence of a mental disorder, alcohol use disorder, suicidal behavior, chronic pain condition, and greater number of physical health conditions demonstrated positive associations with PPDU (Adjusted Odds Ratios [AORs] ranging from 1.36 to 5.31). Increasing number of traumatic events and deployment-related experiences led to greater odds of PPDU (AORs of 1.12 and 1.16, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Results highlight the vulnerability of the CAF Veteran population to PPDU. Correlates noted may aid in the development of supports to promote the mental health of Veterans
Medical prescription · Mental health · Military personnel · Occupational safety and health · Poison control · Population · Prescription drug · Suicide prevention · Education and Military Integration · Opioid Use Disorder Treatment · Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research
The World Mental Health (WMH) Survey Initiative version of the World Health Organization (WHO) Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI)
Military to Civilian Transition
Patient and Provider Perspectives on Treating Substance Use Disorder and Co-Occurring Anxiety and Posttraumatic Stress Disorders in the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System
Psychiatric Comorbidities of Substance Use Disorders
Combat exposure, emotional and physical role limitations, and substance use among male United States Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers
Risk Factors Associated With Problem Use of Prescription Drugs
Disorder-specific risk factors of suicidal behaviour among serving and veteran Canadian Armed Forces Members with baseline mental health diagnoses
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |