Street Addict Role : A Theory of Heroin Addiction

Stephens, Richard C.

ISBN 10: 0791406202 / ISBN 13: 9780791406205

Published by State University of New York Press, 1991

Seller Inventory # 33774345-n

Synopsis:

This book provides a new answer to the question, "Why do people use heroin and other street drugs?" Drawing upon a growing body of studies of drug users conducted by sociologists and anthropologists, it attempts to integrate their findings into a theoretically unified sociocultural explanation of heroin use. The theory, which draws heavily upon the insights of symbolic interactionist and role theory, posits that there is a street subculture of heroin users. The chief role in this subculture -- the street addict role -- becomes a blueprint for living for many heroin users. Addicts are heavily committed to this role and organize their behavior and self-identification around it. From this basic starting point, the theory explains how persons become and remain addicts and how they may eventually give up addictive behavior.

About the Author: Richard C. Stephens is Professor of Sociology, Cleveland State University.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Street Addict Role : A Theory of Heroin ...
Publisher: State University of New York Press
Publication Date: 1991
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: New