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NCJ Number:	173615

Title:	Drug-Related Identity Change: Theoretical Development and Empirical Assessment

Journal:	Journal of Drug Issues Volume:28 Issue:2 Dated:Spring 1998 Pages:299-328

Author(s):	T L Anderson; J A Mott

Date Published:	1998

Annotation:	Using an extant model based on concepts from symbolic interactionism and the Birmingham School of Cultural Studies, this study explored the drug-related identity change process, which may offer significant sociological insights into the etiology of drug abuse.

Abstract:	The basic premise was that identity concerns motivate individuals toward drug subcultural groups and that such groups help them resolve their identity problems. The study used a face- to-face interview format to administer a structured questionnaire to new clients (n=228) at publicly funded drug-abuse treatment programs in mid-Michigan. To be eligible for the study, a person had to self-report that a drug other than alcohol was his/her primary drug of choice. The sample consisted of a representative sample of white and black males and females. The data show that for many of the subjects drug-related identity change began in childhood and early adolescence with marginalizing experiences that helped create ego identity discomfort and a loss of control in defining an identity before drug use. Identification with a drug subculture offered alternative identities to resolve such predicaments. Additionally, the study found that identification with a drug subculture significantly reduced ego identity discomfort during drug use; this substantiates the claim that subcultures can act as solutions to individual problems and predicaments. 2 figures, 6 tables, 13 notes, and 69 references

Main Term(s):	Drug abuse causes

Index Term(s):	Self concept; Subculture theory; Symbolic interaction theory

Grant Number:	SBR9412149; DA07293-04

Sponsoring Agency:	National Institute on Drug Abuse Bethesda, MD 20892-9561 National Science Foundation Washington, DC 20550

Page Count:	30

Format:	Article

Language:	English

Country:	United States of America



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