Frequency and magnitude distribution of life change in heroin and alcohol addicts

A study of the frequency and magnitude of life change in two Veterans Administration Hospital addiction groups was made. Both heroin and alcohol addicts were characterized by a high frequency and magnitude of life change. The life change was highly correlated between the two addictions and there were no significant differences. This kind of evaluation is seen as important in identifying areas in which social disruption is concentrated and as an aid to organizing treatment in a way that is acceptable and nonthreatening to the patient.