Reasons for Drug use: Comparison of Drug Users and Abusers

Abstract

A paired sample of 48 subjects, matched in sex, marital status, residence, and socioeconomic status, was divided into two groups, drug users and drug abusers. Each subject was interviewed about his motivation for drug use. His responses were taped, transcribed, and coded. Analysis showed that drug users were more likely to use drugs for recreational purposes, while drug abusers used drugs to cope with an external locus of control, a low self-concept, feelings of disillusion, and personal stresses. Both groups used drugs to escape, seek personal identity, and rebel against authority. The discussion emphasized that drug users and abusers have different motivations for drug-taking and must be considered as two distinct groups.