An empirical typology of narcotic addicts

On the basis of structured interview data concerning their life-styles, behaviors, circumstances, and activities during their most recent periods of addiction, 460 male narcotic addicts (230 Black and 230 White) were empirically classified, or "typed," using factor and cluster analytic techniques in a multistage process. Mean factor score profiles for each of the eight types derived are presented, along with provisional labels and verbal descriptions. It is believed that this classification is descriptive of the major addict types to be encountered in a large urban population.