A follow-up study of twenty narcotics addicts admitted to a university hospital is described. Only seven patients were free of addictions at time of follow-up. Ability of patients to follow through with aftercare was remarkably poor, and relapse rate was especially high among those patients who returned to the addict community. Relapse rate among patients treated on the psychiatric service was less than for those treated on the medical service. Family history of alcoholism in particular was associated with a poor prognosis. Other factors which seemed to have some bearing on prognosis are described. A discussion of some of the problems encountered in treating the narcotics addict is included.
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