A new classification of narcotic addicts based on type and extent of criminal activity

Although fewer crimes were committed during periods of nonaddiction, individual patterns of criminal activity tended to remain constant and differences among types in terms of demographic and background variables were also noted.

Abstract

On the basis of confidential interview data obtained from a stratified random sample of 354 narcotic addicts residing within the Baltimore metropolitan area, measures of the amount of crime they committed in each of five separate categories were derived. Moreover, crimes committed during periods of active addiction were distinguished from those committed during periods of nonaddiction. Subsequent application of numerical taxonomic methods yielded eight addict types for periods of addiction and six types for periods of nonaddiction. Although fewer crimes were committed during periods of nonaddiction, individual patterns of criminal activity tended to remain constant. Differences among types in terms of demographic and background variables were also noted. Despite the fact that wide variations in criminal activity preclude generalizations to individuals, the amount of crime committed by narcotic addicts as a class can fairly be described as staggering.