Effects of labeling the "drug-abuser": an inquiry.

primary objective is to provide critical reviews of research problem areas and techniques, the content of state-of-the-art conferences, integrative research reviews and significant original research. Its dual publication emphasis is rapid and targeted dissemination to the scientific and professional community. ii FOREWORD When this monograph was originally conceived (1973), Institute scientists and others interested in the problem of drugs were very much concerned about the impact of being arrested or otherwise identified as a "drug abuser" on the self concept and subsequent behavior of those adolescents so labeled. Although there was little data to provide convincing empirical support for our impressions, it seemed reasonable to assume that such labeling might have serious implications. In estranging the labeled individual from his peers and creating a climate of expectation both in himself and in others, this process of being labeled a drug user seemed likely to encourage further a profound sense of social alienation and a still greater tendency to use drugs. Because of the potential importance of this issue in developing a more rational approach to illicit drug use, the Institute commissioned the Research Triangle Institute to study the feasibility of a study in this area. One outcome of that work was the decision not to attempt a larger scale study of labeling. It became clear that both the drug-use picture and society's response to it were changing far too rapidly to mount a longitudinal study of the type originally considered. While personal possession of marihuana was originally a felony in many states, there has been an increasing tendency to make it a misdemeanor or not to prosecute individuals found possessing small quantities. Indeed as of this date (February, 1976), six states have elected to decriminalize completely personal possession of small amounts of cannabis. Moreover , what was once statistically deviant behavior has now become the statistical norm (53% of the 18-25 age group had used marihuana one or more times by 1975) still further altering the way in which drug using behavior is viewed both by users themselves and by others in the community. Although the study originally contemplated no longer appears to be feasible, the thinking that went into reviewing the problem is of continuing interest. We believe the excellent review done by Dr. Williams deserves a larger audience and will be valuable to many interested in the possible impact of labeling on adolescents and on the development of …