To document the long-term course of narcotic addicts, background and five-year follow-up data were obtained from records and interviews for 50 addicts who had first contact with a new treatment program in 1965. In mid-1970, 20 were either abstinent or were using drugs only occasionally. During the follow-up period these individuals spent less time in prison than the other 24 survivors and had more contact with treatment programs. The subjects' comments raise issues for further investigation.Abstract Teaser