A content analysis of three sources representing general public,
scientific, and vested interest publications was made concerning their
presentation of the "dope fiend mythology." The "dope fiend mythology"
emerged early in the twentieth century and while quantitative and
qualitative variations are apparent for different sources and time
periods, this imagery has dominated in the diffusion of conceptions of the
"drug problem." The Federal Bureau of Narcotics has been the most
consistent and persistent presenter of the "dope fiend mythology,"
emphasizing the criminality of illicit drug users. Within the last decade
there has been a reduction in the presentation of the "dope fiend
mythology" in the sources investigated.
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