ABSTRACT
Since the publication of the preceding analysis and evaluation of the social problem of opiate addiction, the principal changes that have occurred have been that the problem has become much worse and that the inefficiency, injustice, and cruelty of the control system have increased and become more obvious. As the narcotics laws have become increasingly punitive, professional and public opinion has largely swung over to an ostensibly medical orientation toward the addict. This attitude has manifested itself primarily in expressions of opinion and in the invention of new semantic devices to make old practices seem more palatable; it has not been expressed, at this writing, in any legislation which substantially changes or improves the addict's status with respect to the criminal law. In general the current American situation may be described as one in which agencies and officials with vested interests in the status quo seem to be fighting a delaying action against an overwhelming tide of change.
