Ethnic differences in narcotics addiction. I. Characteristics of Chicano and Anglo methadone maintenance clients.

This paper reviews the research literature comparing Chicano (Mexican American) to Anglo heroin addicts. In addition, characteristics of 546 Chicano and Anglo men and women who had been clients of southern California methadone maintenance programs in 1978 are compared. Background factors examined include nativity, family socioeconomic status (SES) and family interpersonal relationships, education, and gang membership. Lifetime characteristics and status at follow-up interview are reported with particular attention to legal status, criminality, employment, and interpersonal relationships. Drug experimentation history and circumstances surrounding narcotics initiation are also compared. Most observed differences prior to addiction are similar to ethnic differences found in the general population. Part II analyzes ethnic differences progressing through five stages of the addiction career.