Features of Alcohol Dependence Development in Servicemen Participating in Combat Operations

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Volume 25 Num. 2

Volume 25 Num. 2 - June 2025

Features of Alcohol Dependence Development in Servicemen Participating in Combat Operations

Volume 25 Num. 2 - June 2025 - Pages 183-196

Authors:

Kolesnichenko, Oleksandr , Matsehora, Yanina , Prykhodko, Ihor , Baida, Maksym , Marushchenko, Kateryna , Rumiantsev, Yurii , Larionov, Stanislav , Pashchenko, Andrii , Kramchenkova, Vira , Zaitseva, Olha

alex_kolesnichenko@ukr.net

Abstract:

Volume 25, 2- June 1, 2025

This study explores the risks of alcohol dependence formation in servicemen who participated in combat operations. The study presented in the article follows a plan with minimal use of psychodiagnostics methods due to the specifics of its implementation. The study is part of a rehabilitation program for combat participants. Examinations were conducted before the start of rehabilitation activities to assess the depth of trauma and the condition of the servicemen. The research was conducted in 2022-2023 in the context of Russia-Ukraine war. A total of 746 servicemen who directly served in zones of intense combat were included in the study. The sample comprised 29.8% officers (ranging from junior lieutenant to colonel) and 70.2% contract and mobilized servicemen (ranging from private to senior warrant officer). The age of the participants ranged from 20 to 60 years. All participants were divided according to the "Mississippi Scale for Combat-Related PTSD" into two groups: Group A included servicemen (358 people) whose PTSD symptoms did not exceed the norm (up to 78 points); and Group B included servicemen (388 people) whose scores exceeded the norm (more than 78 points). The results showed that recording the factors of "intensity of PTSD symptoms" and "age category" allowed for a more detailed examination of the impact of factors that typically aggravate PTSD (e.g., sleep disorders, injuries and concussions, somatic complaints) and factors influencing resilience to combat stressors (e.g., military experience, rank, type of unit, and family presence) on the risk of alcohol dependence formation. Short-term psychological recovery programs for combat participants should more broadly include measures aimed at shaping attitudes toward combat stress factors and their impact on mental health, working on servicemen’s reflection, and their ability to self-regulate -especially in age categories more prone to relying on external help rather than their own ability to exercise self-control and limit alcohol consumption.

How to cite this paper:
Kolesnichenko O, Matsehora Y, Prykhodko I, Baida M, Marushchenko K, Rumiantsev Y, Larionov S, Pashchenko A, Kramchenkova V, & Zaitseva O (2025). Features of Alcohol Dependence Development in Servicemen Participating in Combat Operations. International Journal of Psychology & Psychological Therapy, 25, 2, 183-196

Key words:

rehabilitation, post-traumatic stress disorder, combat operations, addictive behavior

Full Article

English (PDF)

International Journal of Psychology and Psychological Therapy

Volume 25 Num. 2 - June 2025