A sample of 453 patients selected from 1,359 discharged from the Public Health Service Hospital at Lexington, Ky., between July 1952 and December 1955 were followed for 5 years. Although more than 97% became readdicted during the 5 years, by the 5th year after discharge, only an estimated 46% were readdicted, and 49% were abstinent, either voluntarily or involuntarily. Discharges over 30 years of age showed a significantly higher rate of voluntary abstinence than their younger counterparts; they also showed a significantly greater ability to remain drug free. Addiction status fluctuated, but, in general, abstinence increased with the passage of time and readdiction rates decreased. An estimated 40% of the sample were voluntarily abstinent at some time during the study period. About 41 % returned to the Public Health Service Hospitals at Lexington and Fort Worth, Tex., during the 5 years. Social data collected during the followup period revealed that approximately 70% of the group had one or more arrests, that those under 30 had higher arrest rates than those over 30, and that 66% of all arrests were narcotics violations. Five years after discharge 41% were unemployed. Among those with at least 1 period of voluntary abstinence, however, 59% were employed full time. Few patients received psychiatric aftercare during the followup period. The high relapse, arrest, and unemployment rates of the treated drug addict support the views of those who advocate that systematic community aftercare be provided for such persons.