New research reveals extent of alcohol misuse in Royal Navy

A report commissioned by the Ministry of Defence concludes that excessive alcohol consumption or binge drinking are "significantly more prevalent" in the navy than in the wider population. It also says high levels of drinking are now "likely to impact upon occupational efficiency". More needs to be done to deter sailors from excessive drinking and avoid the long-term health consequences, it says.

A survey of 1,333 male personnel from 12 operational ships found a quarter drank more than double recommended level of alcohol a week. The majority (92%) scored as hazardous drinkers while half (48%) reported binge drinking at least once a week and 15% were classed as problem drinkers. BBC News see also Daily Mail article.

The research was carried out by King's Centre for Military Research.  It follows their recent studies on alcohol use:

• Patterns of drinking in the UK Armed Forces
• Factors Associated with Heavy Alcohol Consumption in the U.K. Armed Forces: Data from a Health Survey of Gulf, Bosnia, and Era Veterans
• Cigarette and alcohol use in the UK Armed Forces, and their association with combat exposures: A prospective study