Empirically-Derived Hierarchy of Use for Psychotropics: A Cost Benefit Index

Abstract

Data on having ever tried and current frequency of use for fifteen psychoactives were obtained from 1121 male and female adults. Treatment of the data reveals a usage hierarchy for these drugs and the deviancy associated with a specific usage level, for a given drug. It is proposed that drug use is determined by cost-benefit analyses, performed by the individual, and that each of the fifteen psychotropics has its own index which is based on actual usage parameters.