The purpose of this study was to replicate, with female respondents, a 1975 survey of male preservice substance abuse and its correlates. The Navy's Drug Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ) was administered in June 1976 to 519 women at Recruit Training Command, Orlando, FL. Responses were compared to those of the 1975 male sample. Results showed that female and male preservice drug experiences were similar. No significant differences were found in the proportions of female and male (49.8 vs. 47.0%, respectively) nondrug users, marijuana-only users (22.2 vs. 25.8%), and other drug users (28.0 vs. 27.2%). Despite the finding that patterns of preservice substance abuse of women and men entering the Navy are similar, it is difficult to predict what effect the enlistment of more women will have on the service's drug problems. Further research with samples of both sexes to determine the extent of substance abuse during the first enlistment is recommended.

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