The Effectiveness of the Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program on Young Adult Sailors
Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
A mixed method evaluation to determine the effectiveness of the United States Navy Alcohol Abuse Prevention (NAAP) program in decreasing the likelihood of alcohol-related incidents (ARI) among active duty service members age 18 to 24, unmarried, and without children. This cohort has the greatest number of ARIs due to a newfound autonomy and a lack of familial responsibility. The evaluation process incorporated anonymous surveys, volunteer face-to-face interviews, and quantitative data provided by the Drug and Alcohol Prevention Advisor (DAPA) to measure the success of the NAAP program at the squadron level.
An analysis of the qualitative and quantitative data obtained concludes that while the program provides comprehensive training to all squadron members and has implemented specific interventions to deter ARIs, the program does not take into consideration the uniqueness of the young adult stage in the life-cycle and the challenges associated with it. During the interview process, 50% stated that while at this command they have incurred an ARI, 25% could be considered heavy drinkers, and 25% could be considered binge drinkers. A majority of interviewees also speculated that a lack of life experience is a major contributing factor to alcohol-related incidents.
The challenges associated with the young adult stage of the life cycle presents a problem in tailoring the NAAP program to meet the needs of these sailors. While the DAPA has implemented the required United States Navy specific training, based on the information gathered additional interventions are needed to reduce the likelihood of ARIs within this squadron.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Frank Scaringello
Presentation Type
Poster
Disciplines
Counseling
Session Title
Poster Session
Location
Learning Commons, Northwest Atrium
Start Date
2-2-2019 8:00 AM
End Date
2-2-2019 12:30 PM
The Effectiveness of the Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program on Young Adult Sailors
Learning Commons, Northwest Atrium
A mixed method evaluation to determine the effectiveness of the United States Navy Alcohol Abuse Prevention (NAAP) program in decreasing the likelihood of alcohol-related incidents (ARI) among active duty service members age 18 to 24, unmarried, and without children. This cohort has the greatest number of ARIs due to a newfound autonomy and a lack of familial responsibility. The evaluation process incorporated anonymous surveys, volunteer face-to-face interviews, and quantitative data provided by the Drug and Alcohol Prevention Advisor (DAPA) to measure the success of the NAAP program at the squadron level.
An analysis of the qualitative and quantitative data obtained concludes that while the program provides comprehensive training to all squadron members and has implemented specific interventions to deter ARIs, the program does not take into consideration the uniqueness of the young adult stage in the life-cycle and the challenges associated with it. During the interview process, 50% stated that while at this command they have incurred an ARI, 25% could be considered heavy drinkers, and 25% could be considered binge drinkers. A majority of interviewees also speculated that a lack of life experience is a major contributing factor to alcohol-related incidents.
The challenges associated with the young adult stage of the life cycle presents a problem in tailoring the NAAP program to meet the needs of these sailors. While the DAPA has implemented the required United States Navy specific training, based on the information gathered additional interventions are needed to reduce the likelihood of ARIs within this squadron.