Self-stigma in military personnel with alcohol dependence: comparison with a civilian sample before qualified withdrawal treatment

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the differences in self-stigma between a military and a civilian sample in order to infer military-specific aspects of the stigmatization process. Design/methodology/approach Before undergoing a three-week course of qualified withdrawal treatment, 55 German military personnel were examined in terms of self-stigma, abstinence self-efficacy, duration of alcohol abuse, severity of alcohol dependence, and current mental disorders. Afterwards, the participants were compared with a non-military sample of 173 subjects with alcohol dependence in a civilian psychiatric clinic that had not yet undergone qualified withdrawal treatment. Findings While awareness of stigmatization is significantly greater among military personnel than in the civilian comparison group (t(171)=3.83, p<0.01), there is far less agreement with such stigmatization (t(170)=−3.20, p<0.01). More severe mental disorders and low abstinence self-efficacy have a significant influence on self-esteem decrement for the entire group. Research limitations/implications Both samples only consisted of male participants who wanted to receive treatment. Originality/value Since most studies refer to civilian patients, a comparative study of the influence of stigmatization of alcohol use disorders in the armed forces is of particular interest. The study indicates that military personnel are more aware of stigmatization by colleagues and superiors than is the case among civilian patients. This could be a significant obstacle when it comes to seeking professional help. Prevention programs need to give greater priority to this subject.