While the overall reported rate of illicit drug use is very low, it continues to be concentrated among male, younger, less educated and single service members. The average daily consumption of alcohol per service member decreased 44 percent, from 1.48 ounces per person in 1980 to 0.83 ounces in 1995. While this overall trend to less drinking is decidedly positive, heavy drinking still remains a problem. The decline in heavy drinking since 1980 may be largely attributed to changes in the active force rather than true changes in consumption rates. Nevertheless, between 1980 and 1995, significant declines were found in the percentage of personnel experiencing alcohol-related consequences, productivity loss and symptoms of dependence.
Smoking also shows a continuing declining trend.
From the peak rate of 51.4 percent in 1982, the rate of cigarette usage dropped to 31.9 percent in the survey. While still above the objective of 20 percent, this rate is down significantly from the 1992 rate of 35 percent. The rate of smokeless tobacco use during the past 30 days was 13.2 percent. The survey also examined stress, coping mechanisms, symptoms of depression and relationships between alcohol use and mental health. It indicates most military personnel have good mental health and have appropriate coping mechanisms for managing stress.