NCJ Number
119670
Journal
Bulletin on Narcotics Volume: 37 Issue: 2 and 3 Dated: (April-September 1985) Pages: 135-148
Date Published
1985
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The drug scene generally consists of four categories of youth: neophytes, addicts who enjoy a high status relative to other addicts, multiple drug addicts, and nonaddicted drug dealers.
Abstract
The drug subculture has its own evolution, hierarchy, structure, and criteria of success and failure. The members are required to conform to the established criteria. The integration of the young addict into the drug "scene" is not voluntary, because he/she is caught between the culture that he rejects and the pseudoculture of the drug scene. To be accepted into the drug scene, the neophyte must furnish proof of reliability, which often includes criminal activities. The addict who has an important position in the drug world becomes a role model for the neophyte. The lifestyle of addicts and the subculture they develop are largely influenced by the type of drug consumed. In time, every drug scene deteriorates into small groups, often caused by legal interventions or a massive influx of new addicts. The fragmentation of the drug scene is followed by an increase in multiple drug abuse, which often aggravates the medical and social problems of drug addicts. 17 references. (Author abstract modified)