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Maturing Out of Narcotic Addiction

NCJ Number
158384
Journal
Bulletin on Narcotics Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: (1962) Pages: 1-7
Author(s)
C Winick
Date Published
1962
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Data from the statistical files the Federal Bureau of Narcotics were studied to determine the age at which narcotics addicts ceased taking drugs and the duration of their addiction.
Abstract
The research used information on all addicted originally reported to the Bureau to be addicts during 1955, but who were considered to be inactive by the end of 1960. The files contained information from Federal, State, and local law enforcement and health agencies regarding regular users of heroin, other opium derivatives, and synthetic opiates such as meperidine (Demerol). The research assumed that these data probably represented nearly all narcotics addicts, because it is almost impossible for a regular narcotics user to avoid coming to the attention of the authorities within a 2-year period. Results revealed that 5,553 men and 1,681 women addicts became inactive. They ranged in age from 18 to 76 years. A substantial concentration of addicts became inactive in their 30's. The average duration of addiction was 8.6 years; some had been addicted for 50 years. Findings were consistent with either of two hypotheses: that addicts mature out of addiction as a reflection of their life cycle or that they mature out of addiction as a function of the length of their addiction. Further research is recommended. Figures, tables, and 12 references