Alcohol and cannabis consumption in the French army: Determination of consumer profiles to focus on prevention and care

Abstract

Objective: To ascertain the different profiles of alcohol and cannabis consumers in the French Army to improve prevention measures. Method: A representative sample of 990 French Army stafffilled in self-questionnaires in 2006. A multiple correspondence analysis identified associations between consumption and consumer profiles. Results: The multiple correspondence analysis found three main consumer profiles: non-consumers (women and officers), moderate consumers (non-commissioned officers >30-years old, single parents with children), and occasional multi-consumers (18-25-years-old enlisted males, who occasionally consumed cannabis and high levels of alcohol, also tobacco-addicts). Two minor profiles emerged: daily alcohol drinkers (men, ≥30 years) and regular dependent cannabis users (identical profile to multi-consumers). Conclusion: Our results favor targeting the youngest to prevent the risks of high alcohol intake and cannabis consumption and addiction linked to repeated binge drinking. Systematic questionnaires on consumption habits and addiction self-evaluations during medical consultations could lead to early care.