The Myth of the Addicted Army: Vietnam and the Modern War on Drugs

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The book challenges the prevalent myth of drug addiction among American soldiers during the Vietnam War, arguing that it was largely exaggerated and politically motivated. Jeremy Kuzmarov reveals that while alcohol was the primary substance used by GIs, marijuana and heroin did not have the widespread presence often assumed. He critiques both hawks and antiwar activists for perpetuating the addiction narrative, linking it to broader cultural and political agendas. The Nixon administration's response to these concerns led to the establishment of the "War on Drugs," shaping future U.S. drug policy.