American Journal of Epidemiology Vol. 99, No. 4: 235-249
Copyright © 1974 by The Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health
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DRUG USE BY U.S. ARMY ENLISTED MEN IN VIETNAM: A FOLLOW-UP ON THEIR RETURN HOM1
Between May and September 1972, 943 men who had returned to the United States from Vietnam in September 1971 as Army enlisted men were sought for interview and collection of urine specimens. Of these men, 470 represented the general population of Army enlisted men returning at that time; 495 represented those whose urines had been positive for opiates at time of departure from Vietnam. At interview 8–12 months after their return, 83% were civilians and 17% still in service. Nine hundred were personally interviewed and urine specimens collected for 876. Almost half of the "general" sample tried heroin or opium while in Vietnam and one-fifth developed physical or psychological dependence. In the 8- to 12-month period since their return, about 10% had some experience with opiates, but less than 1% had shown signs of opiate dependence. In the "drug positive" sample, three-quarters felt they had been addicted to narcotics in Vietnam. After return, one-third had some experience with opiates, but only 7% showed signs of dependence. Rather than giving up drugs altogether, many had shifted from heroin to amphetamines or barbiturates. Nevertheless, almost none expressed a desire for treatment. Pre-service use of drugs and extent of use in Vietnam were the strongest predictors of continued use after Vietnam. The results indicate that, contrary to conventional belief, the occasional use of narcotics without becoming addicted appears possible even for men who have previously been dependent on narcotics.
armed forces personnel; drug addiction; narcotics; veterans; Vietnam war
1From the Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine 4940 Audubon Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
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