World Social Marketing Conference 2025

This study explores alcohol misuse among Australian military veterans, revealing how deeply alcohol is embedded in military culture and often persists post-service as a coping mechanism. Through narrative interviews with veterans, families, and support personnel, the research identifies key drivers and barriers to care, including stigma and systemic complexity. Grounded in a holistic transition framework and participatory design theory, findings inform the co-creation of veteran-informed interventions to support healthier transitions to civilian life and reduce alcohol-related harm.