A small sample of black heroin addicts (N = 23) was studied to determine their views of the credibility of a variety of sources of information about drugs. Addicts' own experience and that of ex-addicts and other users were the most trusted sources; and mental health professionals were significantly less credible than sources with personal drug experience. The findings support the use of paraprofessionals in drug education and drug counseling.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
GlasscoteR.SussexJ. N.JaffeJ. H.BallJ.BrillL.The treatment of drug abuse. Washington, D.C.: Joint Information Service, 1972.
2.
SinnettE. R.PressA.BatesR. A.HarveyW. M.Credibility of sources of information about drugs. Psychological Reports, 1975, 36, 299–309.
