Heroin use histories and related institutional involvements were obtained from 30 female heroin addicts. Presence of intimate (vs casual) companions at first heroin use strongly differentiated subsequent high vs low consumption patterns. Intimate others were precipitants in 60% of all treatment episodes; the duration of such episodes was nearly double that for self-precipitated admissions. Concurrent familial determinants were indicated in virtually all accounts of current consumption patterns. It is concluded that romantic/kinship units and liasons of female addicts are an important focus for research, policy, and therapeutic interest.

Adult↗

PubMed1976

The structure of heroin communities (in relation to methadone maintenance).

The sociocultural structure of contemporary urban heroin-using communities is delineated using the dimensions "being hooked," "scoring," and "hustling" on "the street." A concentric ring model is constructed with four rings: (innermost) the street dealing network, other criminal hustles, employed addicts, and a peripheral "recruitment" area (outermost). The model is used to define differential intentions toward and responses to methadone maintenance treatment among members of the heroin community.

California↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Response to Dr. Waldron's critique of smoking studies.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Adult↗