‘More risks’: War veteran lifts lid on ADF binge drinking culture

Two young Aussie war vets have revealed more about how drinking is both a bonding ritual and a dangerous crutch for coping with stress after working for the ADF. Watch the video.

When Ameer Anderson returned from his gruelling deployment to Iraq, he didn’t recognise the man he was becoming.

He was taking more risks, his relationships were under strain, and without realising it, alcohol had become his way of coping with what he had seen.

“I struggled with my drinking through periods of my career, especially after my deployments to the Middle East,” the 42-year-old said.

“Unknowingly my alcohol consumption increased heavily over a short period of time. I was taking more risks and my relationships were being stressed.

“It wasn’t until I spoke to a psychologist, that I realised I was self-medicating with alcohol.”

Mr Anderson, who served for 21 years, is one of thousands of former Defence members who have struggled with their relationship to alcohol after leaving the military.

Veteran Ameer Anderson served for 21 years in the Australian Defence Force. Pictured here in Afghanistan in 200. Picture: Supplied

His story reflects a broader problem in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), where alcohol is both a bonding ritual and a dangerous crutch for coping with stress.

Figures reveal 29 per cent of Defence members drink more than twice a week — and one in 10 do so four or more times.

But the problem doesn’t stop when service ends. In fact, it gets worse.

Almost half (46 per cent) of veterans have experienced an alcohol use disorder in their lifetime, while 13 per cent have battled one in just the past year.

Mr Anderson, who served for 21 years, is one of thousands of former Defence members who have struggled with their relationship to alcohol after leaving the military. Picture: Supplied

“We would organise work functions with the intent to consume heavily. Outside of work hours, the party and binge culture was amplified,” Mr Anderson said.

“The military becomes your family and the people that you live with become your brothers and sisters. So when one person’s in, everyone’s in, it’s that team environment.

“That’s how you can get caught up in (the drinking) and how it’s amplified. It snowballs and it’s so different from civilian life.”

Mr Anderson, pictured here in Afghanistan in 2007, is committed to his health after the Army. Picture: Supplied

After leaving the ADF in 2023, Mr Anderson committed to improving his health — physically and mentally.

“A lot of my mates and colleagues have struggled with the separation from Army life and culture,” he said.

“Unfortunately, alcohol still governs a lot of their decisions.”

Mr Anderson now works as Partnerships Manager at Medilinks Access in Brisbane, an organisation that connects veterans with psychologists and psychiatrists who understand both trauma and military life.

His story is echoed by fellow veteran Brodie Moore, who was deployed to Afghanistan at just 18 with Mentoring Task Force One — the deadliest rotation of the entire campaign. Six soldiers from his battle group were killed, along with five more from Special Operations.

Brodie Moore was just 17 when he joined the Australian Army, before he was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. He served for six years as a rifleman and was a member with the Mentoring Task Force One, which was the bloodiest of the entire Afghanistan campaign. Picture: Supplied

“Alcohol was a noticeable part of ADF culture, particularly in social settings and during downtime,” Mr Moore said. “Like many high-pressure environments, it was often used as a way to unwind and connect with others.”

“There is a strong and well-documented link between exposure to trauma and the misuse of alcohol.

“For Defence personnel, deployments, high-pressure environments, and the psychological toll of service can contribute to the development of mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression.”

Former soldier Brodie Moore explains that being in the military meant living with your mates, which made it hard to avoid the ADF drinking culture. Picture: Richard Walker

Now chief executive of Medilinks Access, Mr Moore said military life was nothing like a regular job — you didn’t clock off at 5pm or go home to your own space. Instead, you lived with your mates, which made it nearly impossible to avoid the drinking culture.

“I would be going home [post-service] and have a six-pack of beers every night, which isn’t a healthy habit at all,” he said.

“That’s when I realised that I was drinking not just at an unhealthy level, but also going down a negative road.”

Both veterans said their message to other veterans was simple: you’re not alone, and it’s not weak to ask for help.

They’re also encouraging veterans to give up alcohol during the month of July.

“The primary message is to encourage veterans to give Dry July a go and just see what your life is like just for a period of time without alcohol,” Mr Moore said.

“Reducing alcohol consumption can be a powerful step toward better mental health, and no one should have to take that step alone.”

Originally published as ‘More risks’: War veteran lifts lid on ADF binge drinking culture