Four types of career use patterns are described: continuous controlled use, from controlled to heavy to controlled use, controlled to heavy use to abstinence, and from controlled use to abstinence. The high value most of the users placed upon family, health and career achievement is mitigated against abuse and addiction. Addictiveness alone may not be a property of personality nor pharmacology, but a combination of the personal and social resources of users and the social organization and cultural practices of their network. Further research along such lines may help to identify conditions underlying a range of outcomes that may be of value for prevention and treatment. 1 table. 16 references. (Author abstract modified)