Afghanistan

Alcoholism risk for frontline troops

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Soldiers fighting in Afghanistan are more likely to become alcoholics, according to the Ministry of Defence.

Research shows servicemen and women across the Army, RAF and Royal Navy are just as likely to turn to drink as the general population.

But figures suggest those who see action on the frontline will up their intake, with one in five suffering depression and anxiety.

Defence personnel minister Andrew Robathan said researchers studied alcohol dependency among troops, sailors and airmen sent to Iraq and Afghanistan.

He told MPs: "Some 13 per cent of respondents displayed evidence of alcohol misuse, compared to a similar figure in the general population.

"Increased use is associated with operational deployment."

The admissions came in written Parliamentary answers to questions tabled by former Cabinet minister, Hazel Blears.

The Labour MP for Salford and Eccles asked whether ex-Forces' personnel were more likely to suffer mental health problems, become addicted to drink or drugs or commit crime.

Mr Robathan said researchers at King's College in London began probing such fears in 2003, with 20,000 former personnel involved in the study.

He added: "Common mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression are more prevalent, with 19.7 per cent of service personnel studied experiencing them."

The investigation also found part-time soldiers sent into battle were more likely to suffer post-traumatic stress disorder than those who remained in the UK.

Mr Robathan also revealed 3.5 per cent of serving prisoners are former servicemen and women, according to latest Government estimates.