The Behavioural Characteristics and Health Conditions of Drug Abusers: Some Implications for Workers in Drug Addiction

Abstract

To examine aspects of drug abusers' misconduct, usual activities, & health conditions before their drug abuse experience, questionnaire & interview data were obtained from 96 male & 4 female drug abusers (most ages 18-29) in Singapore registered with voluntary organizations for treatment & rehabilitation, & from 100 nonabuser controls matched for gender, age, ethnic group, education, & neighborhood. The findings show that, compared with nonabusers, significantly fewer drug abusers helped with family responsibilities, participated in games or sports, pursued hobbies, listened to radio or watched TV, or visited friends. Significantly more drug abusers reported gambling or hanging around in the streets, seeing movies, & staying at home doing nothing. Thus, even before their involvement with drugs, abusers had not participated in helpful, healthy, positive, & group functions. Implications for workers in the area of drug addiction are discussed.