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An Overview

MAJ Arthur J. Siegel, MC

JAMA. 1973;223(11):1258-1261.

Abstract
Heroin abuse among US soldiers in Southeast Asia has many features common to an epidemic: a specific population at risk, a unique setting in which spread occurred, and a single offending agent. An epidemiologic approach reveals features that distinguish heroin addiction in this setting from patterns observed in the United States. The medical impact in terms of morbidity has not been fully assessed. A controversy persists whether heroin use in Southeast Asia is a low-risk exposure confined to a special environment or carries a major threat for continued hard-drug use. The opportunity to evaluate in depth a sample of patients in a direct combat support area forms the basis of this report. Potential morbidity in many cases seems high.

Author Affiliations
USA

From the US Army Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. Dr. Siegel is now with Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, Boston.

Footnotes
Reprint requests to Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, 721 Huntington Ave, Boston 02115 (Dr. Siegal).

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