Discussion on Drug Abuse in the Military: A 1974 Meeting in Tulsa County Library, 1974-02-28

A meeting was held to discuss drug abuse in the military and rehabilitation for military personnel and veterans. Various factors contributing to drug abuse were discussed, such as dissatisfaction with job assignments and cultural acceptance of drugs in foreign countries. Questions were raised about the screening of individuals dispensing drugs, the treatment of drug-related problems, and the qualifications of military personnel counseling service members. It was noted that discharge decisions are often based on behavior rather than drug dependency, and more emphasis should be placed on understanding the contributing factors leading to misconduct. The Veterans Administration focuses on rehabilitation, while the military sees its role as upholding federal policies. The complexity of drug abuse causes, including cultural influences and discontent, was highlighted, and it was suggested that education programs may not be effective in reducing drug use. The importance of understanding individual backgrounds and factors leading to trouble was emphasized, and it was noted that the Veterans Administration only accepts veterans with a General Discharge. Overall, the meeting concluded that more emphasis should be placed on rehabilitation and understanding