The study found that most of these men began using drugs in late adolescence and evolved into drug dependence. The main reason given for beginning drug use was "to seek excitement," followed by "curiosity." Family members abused drugs for 25-35 percent of the men. Heroin (98 percent) and cannabis (54 percent) were the primary drugs used in the past 30 days. Seventy-five percent of the men had used multiple drugs in the past 12 months. They also engaged in tobacco and alcohol use. Intravenous drug use was reported by 15.8 percent of the men, and 53 percent engaged in risky sexual behaviors. The majority of the men were between the ages of 25 and 45, poorly educated, and socioeconomically deprived. Most had engaged in childhood delinquency. Adverse childhood experiences, including strained relationships with parents and physical and sexual abuse, were reported by approximately 60 percent of the men. There was a positive association between illicit drug use and unemployment or low-income employment. Multi-problem intervention programs are recommended, along with preventive measures that target high-risk adolescents. Data were collected in face-to-face interviews, using a structured questionnaire. 5 tables and 78 references