Drug addiction in two groups of British addicts: a critical empirical analysis of classical sociological theories of deviance

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to test whether drug addicts - those addicted to heroin, morphine or methadone - rejected the goals of society and the means of achieving these goals, as suggested by Robert Herton. Other objectives include an examination of the process of addiction and the criminality of addicts. Perspectives are suggested by looking at drug taking in different societies at different times, and by examining the growth of addiction in Britain and America, while terms are defined in the light of the pharmacology of addiction.

Mertonian theory is described and criticised with reference to other theories of deviance and of addiction. A critical review is made of the studies of addiction, and the contribution made by other studies to the knowledge of the attributes and characteristics of drug addicts.

The hypotheses were operationalised using the semantic differential attitude scales, a paired comparisons attitude questionnaire, and an interview schedule. Sample selection and field work is described, followed by a presentation of a model of the interaction process from which can be derived sources of role conflict and role strain, and conflict resolution.

The Mertonian hypothesis is not confirmed, but a pattern of criminality is found which closely resembles a pattern of drug taking which was established earlier in the study. The relationship between preceeding and addictive drugs is also discussed. Finally, data is interpreted in the light of the interaction model, and the sources of role strain and techniques for reduction of this strain are amended to encompass a theoretical framework which appears to account for the anomalies in the data that are not accounted for in other theories. A discussion on the relationship between addiction and society ends the study.