Pitiable as some narcotics addicts (3)
I believe the answer is:
sad
'pitiable' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'some narcotics addicts' is the wordplay.
'some' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue (some parts of the word are used).
'SAD' is hidden within 'narcotics addicts'.
'as' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for sad that I've seen before include "Heavy-hearted" , "Effect of winter darkness" , "Doleful" , "A form of depression in winter, initially" , "Deplorable" .)