The Major Causative Role of Ethanol and the Minor Role of Other Drugs in the Deaths of Military Personnel in San Diego County, California

An investigation of the deaths of 150 active duty military personnel in San Diego County, California during the 18 month period Jan. 1983 – June 1984, revealed that ethanol was involved in 40% of the total deaths. Motorcycle deaths accounted for 25% of all fatalities, motor vehicle accidents for 20% & suicide, the third leading cause of death, for 18% of total deaths. Thirty % of the suicide victims were legally intoxicated.