Year: 2016
Type: review
Abstract: The work of Robins and her colleagues on heroin addiction among Vietnam veterans sets out in microcosm many of the key factors that play out in the development and maintenance of substance addiction beyond the pharmacology of the drug: price, availability, the process of delivery of the addictive substance, availability of other substances, social norms, education and life circumstances. 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. Like other seminal studies, this work needs to be read in the original, because relying upon secondary interpretations risks being given a selectively edited version of their findings in service of varied policy and theoretical agendas.
Source: Addiction
DOI: 10.1111/add.13584
Authors: Wayne Hall, Megan Weier
Institutions: The University of Queensland, King's College London
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2523317267