Patterns of Non-Narcotic Drug Use among Male Narcotic Addicts

Abstract

In the course of lengthy, confidential interviews conducted with 354 male narcotic addicts (195 Black, 159 White) living in the Baltimore metropolitan area, detailed information was obtained concerning their use of non-narcotic drugs during periods of active addiction to narcotics (principally heroin) as well as during periods of non-addiction to narcotics. A wide variety of non-narcotic substances were found to have a nonzero incidence of use; however, both the types and amounts of non-narcotic drugs used, as well as the combinations (patterns) in which they were used, were found to be a joint function of race (Black/White) and narcotic addiction status (actively addicted/not addicted to narcotics). Factor analysis revealed three major patterns among Blacks during periods of active narcotic addiction, and a different three patterns during periods of nonaddiction. Among Whites, four major patterns were identified during periods of active narcotic addiction, and five during periods of nonaddiction. Subsequent applications of cluster analysis revealed several different types of addicts based on patterns of non-narcotic drug use.