Drugs: The Non-Narcotic Addicts

Doctors used to think that only half a dozen narcotics, such as heroin and morphine, could cause a true addiction: the victim could give up the drug without suffering the agonies of withdrawal. They have since discovered that there are lots of non-narcotic drugs that can lead to addiction and similar withdrawal sickness as well. Long-term use of barbiturates will do it. So will the so-called "minor tranquilizers" like meprobamate (Miltown or Equanil) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium), and the stimulant amphetamines ("bennies" or "goofballs"). Last week the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's...