Table of Contents

Foreword Preface 1. Introduction 2. The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective 3. Towards a Role Theoretic Model of Heroin Use 4. Becoming and Being a Street Addict 5. Individualistic Explanations for Heroin Use 6. Origins of the Street Addict Role 7. Treatment for the Street Addict 8. What Is To Be Done Notes References

About the Author

Richard C. Stephens is Professor of Sociology, Cleveland State University.

Reviews

"I find this book clear, comprehensive, and interesting. Stephens has done a fine job in reviewing the relevant literature and bringing to bear along with it his observation encompassing a distinguished career as a drug abuse researcher. "The theory which he presents is an interesting, intriguing one. He is able to explain the persistence and pervasiveness of the heroin addict's behavior. He effectively challenges previous conceptualizations which involve an emphasis on individual pathology or an over-reliance on the pharmacological effects of the drugs. The theory is interesting because it makes sense intuitively to those of us who have had extensive experience with these kinds of drug abusers. It provides a plausible explanation for why 'junkie behavior' is so difficult to extinguish in the patients/clients that we work with. The theory is also quite interesting because Stephens has been able to plausibly explain the sociocultural roots of this behavior." - Harvey A. Siegal, Professor and Director, School of Medicine, Wright State University