title: Characteristics of drug abuse patients at a Veterans Administration Hospital.
abstract: A total of 308 patients were treated at the Wood VAC Drug Treatment Center during its first 2 years of operation (November 1, 1971-October 318 1973). They completed confidential questionnaires upon admission. Personal information and data concerning drug usage were obtained. Significant findings include the following: 1. A wide variety of opiate and nonopiate drugs were available in the military. 2. Although most patients had experienced illicit drugs prior to service, over 60% tried heroin for the first time while in the military; 83% of these men were subsequently treated for opiate dependence. 3. High rates of unemployment, marital instability, and convictions for illegal activities were revealed. A significant proportion of first convictions occurred prior to major drug usage. Data suggest that a flexible and multimodal approach to drug abuse therapy may have the best potential for success. Problems in evaluating and coordinating drug treatment programs are discussed briefly.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008887:Military Medicine; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation; D014481:United States