doi:10.7916/d8-64ah-b187Oral history interview with Ethel, 1980Etheloral historiesmixed materialDrug addicts--United StatesDrug abuse--History--20th century.--United StatesDrugs--PrescribingHeroin abuse--History--20th century.--United StatesDrug addicts--Rehabilitation--United StatesMethadone maintenance--History--20th century.--United StatesIn this interview, Ethel describes her life from adolescence in Greensboro North Carolina to adulthood in New York City, with a focus on her drug usage and addiction. She explains how she first became addicted to narcotics in 1955 at forty-one years of age after being prescribed Demerol by her doctor after an operation. She discusses her transition from Demerol to heroin, and her subsequent attempts to stop her drug addiction using methadone. She explains the different methods for acquiring and using opiates, and the distinction between "street" addicts and "medical" addicts. She discusses how she received heroin through her friend who was a registered nurse, and delves into how doctors and nurses often functioned as conduits to drug use