A Test of Lindesmith's Theory of Addiction: The Frequency of Euphoria Among Long-Term Addicts

Lindesmith and others claim that once physical dependence is established addicts do not experience euphoria. Consequently, euphoria cannot explain chronic addiction. Data are presented to show that, contrary to this view, long-term addicts experience euphoria frequently, crave it, and act to obtain it. "Lack of money" is the most important reason addicts give for not experiencing euphoria more often. Based on success in achieving euphoria, two classes of addicts are identified. The sources of income of addicts who experience euphoria most often correspond to those of types described by others as highest in prestige. Analysis suggests an addict stratification system founded on the two major psychopharmacological phenomena of opiates: withdrawal and euphoria. Addicts who barely succeed at tending to their daily need to avoid withdrawal are lowest in prestige. In the higher prestige ranges, addicts are stratified by their success in achieving euphoria. Thus, the social as well as the value system of addicts owes much to success at achieving what are universally considered, at the individual level, to be the most fundamental reinforcers. Since these reinforcers operate at the individual level, our analysis reveals the addict social system as a microcosm of broader theoretical interest, with transitions between physiological, psychological, cultural, economic, and sociological phenomena in plain view.