Differences in Psychological Needs Among Drug Abusers: First Admissions Compared to Recidivists

Abstract

A group of 58 recidivists were compared with a group of 58 first-admission patients in drug abuse treatment, using the Adjective Checklist measuring basic psychological needs. Compared to the recidivists, the first-admission patients scored significantly higher in the needs for Exhibition, Autonomy, Aggression, and Change. A Personality composite for this need configuration was described, and the clinical implications of these results emphasized the need to give attention to the special needs of the patient who is in drug abuse treatment for the first time.