A Classification of Narcotic Addicts Based on Type, Amount and Severity of Crime

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Abstract
Structured, confidential interviews were conducted with 250 male narcotic addicts attending methadone maintenance treatment centers in Baltimore and New York City during 1983 and 1984. Detailed information was obtained regarding the type and amount of criminal activity committed during periods of addiction to narcotics. These data were factor analyzed, and results of the factor analysis were subsequently used to derive a typology of narcotic addicts. Numerical taxonomic methods yielded nine types. Descriptions of types, in terms of the kind, amount, and severity of criminal activity, and the relationship of the resulting classification to demographic and background characteristics are provided. Implications of the findings for social policy makers are discussed.