Each subject was given a detailed questionnaire that included questions on 42 characteristics that covered various aspects of the addict's life. In the Republic of Croatia, drug abuse (heroin in particular) was four times more frequent among males than among females. Since the beginning of the war, the problem of drug addiction among males has been significantly increasing among the younger population. The majority of the factors that contribute to drug use by adolescents was found in the quality of family life during the preadolescent period. The number of male addicts was significantly higher because of the example of fathers who failed in their parental role; this was true more often of fathers than mothers. The influence of environmental factors (availability and choice of drugs) was more prominent in the male population. For male adolescents, drug abuse was part of a search for identity among peers outside of the family. Female adolescents were less likely than males to seek an ego identity that departs from their mother's values. Drug abuse among adolescent girls was due to low self-esteem that caused them to seek relationships with boys addicted to drugs. During pregnancy, as well as later in motherhood, female addicts should be included in special programs designed to provide care and prevention for their children. In Croatia, this category of women has been given special consideration. 4 tables