Heroin Addict Relationships with Parents during Childhood and Early Adolescent Years

Abstract

In order to determine the role of parental influences in heroin addiction, a Biographical Inventory consisting of 56 life history items was given to 100 addicts and to a matched group of 100 nonusers. Results suggest that early life histories of individuals may be important predisposing factors. Addicts more likely led an unhappy childhood, experienced harsh physical punishment, and lacked parental concern in the areas of school, sexual conduct, friends, and career guidance. Nonusers more likely came from intact homes where parental influence was a significant positive factor, where the fathers were regarded as pals, and the mothers as consistent.