It tested a sample of 124 women in the Philadelphia House of Corrections in 1976-77 through semistructured interviews and analyses of their institutional records and arrest data. Comparisons between two groups of women (those who report little or no drug use and those who report extensive drug use) showed those in the high-drug group were more likely to be younger, have negative self-perceptions, have a family history of drug or alcohol abuse, and report juvenile delinquency activity. Four types of motivational patterns for entry into drug use emerged: 'making it easier' is a way to cope with stresses; 'feeling the high' emphasizes physical effects; 'part of the scene' is based on peer pressures; and 'tie that binds' derives from the desire to maintain a relationship. Findings indicated that 'feeling the high' was the most prevalent initiation pattern and was most associated with family histories of alcohol or drug abuse and with current patterns of drinking, vandalism, and prostitution. The results pertaining to motivational patterns are considered only exploratory and their relations as causes, magnifiers, or consequences of the drug abuse and crime patterns cannot be established within the present study. Data tables, approximately 150 references, and the interview format are included. (Author abstract modified)