A new study, involving researchers from the University of Liverpool and King’s College London, which aims gain better understanding of alcohol and mental health problems in ex-Service personnel has been awarded £154,198 by the Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT).
Evidence already available shows high levels of alcohol misuse in ex-Service personnel in the UK, which is worsened by the fact that many do not recognise they have a problem, and of those who do, most do not seek help.
The new study, which will run for 15 months, aims to fill a number of research gaps including; ‘What factors determine whether ex-serving personnel recognise an alcohol problem?’, ‘Which ex-serving personnel are more likely to seek help for an alcohol problem, and is help seeking more or less likely in those with a comorbid mental health problem?’, and ‘Is help seeking for a mental health problem less likely in ex-serving personnel who also have an alcohol problem?’
Underpinning policy making
In one of the first studies of its kind researchers will analyse data already collected by the King’s Centre for Military Health Research, part of King’s College London, from a large sample of ex-Service personnel, to examine how having both an alcohol and a mental health problem influences help seeking in ex-Service personnel.
The study has been made possible by funding from FiMT who aim to enable ex-Service personnel and their families make a successful and sustainable transition to civilian life by generating an evidence base that influences and underpins policy making and service delivery.
Ray Lock, Chief Executive of Forces in Mind Trust, said: “We know through existing evidence that that there are high levels of alcohol misuse by ex-Service personnel, and that for the most part, this vulnerable group do not seek help. This project will fill some of the important gaps in research around recognising problem alcohol use and encouraging help seeking, together with determining what impact mental health issues may have.
“It is the purpose of FiMT to enable all ex-Service personnel and their families to have a successful and sustainable transition back into civilian life, and this timely research from the University of Liverpool and King’s College London will make a singular and important contribution to our mission.”
Dr Laura Goodwin, from the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, said: “Whilst it is established that alcohol misuse is common in ex-serving personnel, little is known about why help is often not sought.
“This study will provide much needed information on which ex-serving personnel are less likely seek help and the characteristics of those most in need of support.”
For more information about FiMT please visit www.fim-trust.org
To find out more about studying Psychology at the University of Liverpool please click here.