doi:10.7916/d8-pq97-zk15Oral history interview with Max G., 1981G., Maxoral historiesmixed materialDrug addicts--United StatesImprisonment--United StatesDrug traffic--History--20th century.--United StatesDrug abuse--History--20th century.--United StatesOpium abuse--History--20th century.--United StatesHeroin abuse--History--20th century.--United StatesDrug addicts--Rehabilitation--United StatesMethadone maintenance--History--20th century.--United StatesDrugs--PrescribingJewish criminalsG., MaxIn this interview, Max discusses his life in New York City with a focus on his drug use. He discusses his jobs as an errand boy at an embroidery shop and a bellhop at Fleischmann's Bath. He describes the union work he did for members of Murder, Incorporated such as Abe Reles, Arnold Rothstein, and Louis Lepke. He gives an overview of his drug use, describing how he used opium from 1921 to 1940, heroin from 1940 to 1950, and Dilaudid from 1950 until 1965 when he joined a methadone program. He describes the circumstances of his first time smoking opium, as well as its price fluctuation over the course of his usage. He describes how the opium was packaged and sold, as well as where he would buy it. Max explains his approach to obtaining Dilaudid prescriptions from doctors in the 1950s and 1960s. He discusses his arrests and time spent incarcerated. Facilities included: Illinois State Penitentiary, Rikers Island, Sing Sing Correctional Facility, Clinton Correctional Facility (Dannemora), Manhattan Detention Complex (The Tombs). He mentions his younger brother's use of heroin. He compares the effects of opium, heroin, Dilaudid, and methadone. He discusses his experience detoxing from drugs at Lexington Kentucky Hospital and Manhattan General Hospital. He delves into his experience at the Bellevue Hospital Methadone Treatment Program and the methadone program at St. Clare's Hospital & Health Center