USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Almost half of the representative sample had used heroin or opium while in Vietnam. THe majority of these had developed neither physiological nor psychological dependence. In the year after their return, about 10 percent had some experience with opiates, but less than 1 percent showed signs of dependence.

Detailed explanation-2: -Robins’ studies found high rates of heroin use (34%) and symptoms of heroin dependence (20%) among US soldiers while serving in Vietnam. In the first year after returning to the United States only 1% became re-addicted to heroin, although 10% tried the drug after their return.

Detailed explanation-3: -More than one-quarter of Vietnam vets used heroin or cocaine while in service. By 1971, there were at least 12, 000 former service members who lived with heroin addiction. The most disheartening statistic related to this, however, is that the VA only took three referrals for drug addiction that year.

Detailed explanation-4: -In another national epidemiologic study, 27.9% of women and 51.9% of men with lifetime PTSD also had SUD (2). Women with PTSD were 2.48 times more likely to meet criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence and 4.46 times more likely to meet criteria for drug abuse or dependence than women without PTSD.