doi:10.7916/d8-57p8-6r22Oral history interview with Abe D., 1980D., Abeoral historiesmixed materialDrug addicts--United StatesDrug abuse--History--20th century.--United StatesOpium abuse--History--20th century.--United StatesMethadone maintenance--History--20th century--United StatesD., AbeD., EdithAbe D. discusses his life in New York, with specific attention to his drug use. He recalls his introduction to opium, at the age of ten, through his gang of pickpockets. He recalls various legal and illegal jobs supported him and his family throughout the years. He recalls the major players in the opium scene: Chinese, Jewish, and Italian immigrants, and defines an opium "den." He discusses methods of opium intake, changes in its price, how addicts coped with the shortages during the Second World War, and especially transitions to other drugs including Dilaudid, heroin, and methadone. His family life is also chronicled, especially the secrecy from his children and others about his addiction. His wife Edith is present in the interview