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Assessing Drug-taking as a Problem: An English Observation Study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

Martin A. Plant
Martin A. Plant*
Affiliation:
Department of Social Administration and Social Work, University of Bristol, Cotham Villa, Victoria Walk, Cotham, Bristol 6
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Extract

Very little research has been conducted on drug-takers in the community. Goode (1970) and Reeves (1973) are notable American and British exceptions. Both used non-random methods to collect information from drug-takers in non-clinical settings. In the present study, carried out in Cheltenham, I used participant observation as a means of approaching drug-takers in their ‘natural’ settings. I employed an anthropological technique called ‘snowballing’. This involved introducing myself to a few drug-takers. These individuals, when satisfied about my identity and intentions, introduced me to their drug-taking friends, who in turn introduced me to the network of other drug-takers whom they knew. During the period August 1970–October 1972, I was able, informally, to observe the life-styles and drug-taking behaviour of a number of drug-taking groups within the community. In addition, I collected statistical information about the biographical characteristics of 200 individuals I encountered. A standardized interview schedule was used which investigated family backgrounds, employment, education, social relationships, delinquency, drug histories, living conditions, ideology and sexual behaviour.

Type
Abstract
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 124 , Issue 579 , February 1974 , pp. 208 - 209
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1974 

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References

Binnie, L., and Murdock, G. (1969). The Attitudes to Drugs and Drugtakers of Students at the University and Colleges of Higher Education in an English Midland City. University of Leicester: Vaughan Press.Google Scholar
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Reeves, Charles E. (1973). ‘Sociological aspects of drug taking in Southern Hampshire’, paper presented at 2nd International Conference on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Liverpool, April L1973.Google Scholar
Wiener, R. S. P. (1970). Drugs and Schoolchildren. London: Longman.Google Scholar
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