Progression Time to Narcotic Use in a Southwestern Addict Population

This study examined the time interval associated with the progression of first illegal drug use to narcotic use. Four hundred fifty-two questionnaires completed by narcotic addicts presenting at the Dallas County MH-MR Methadone Clinic were used to obtain data. The results revealed differences in progression time for both sex and ethnic groups. The major ethnic groups in this sample were Black and White. The Chicano group was too small for valid analysis. Whites had a shorter progression time than Blacks. The Black male had a significantly longer progression time than the Black female, White female, or White male groups. The lack of sufficient, relevant data in the literature precluded any valid comparative analysis with other narcotic samples. The implications of this study should stimulate more exploration and investigations for validation and exploration of progression time to narcotic and should be useful in preventive efforts.