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Abstract
An ideographical analysis of the causative factors among six homogeneous drug dependents. The aim of this research was to identify the relevant psychological and sociological factors that lead to drug abuse. The research was of an explorative, descriptive and qualitative nature. The case study method was used to examine six female drug addicts between the ages of 21 and 31 years. In addition to an unstructured interview, a selected part of the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) and a comprehensive questionnaire were administered to the six persons. The following emanated from an analysis of the data: The most important needs that predispose a person to start using drugs and continue until he/she is completely addicted, is a need for dependence, a need to escape, a need to assert oneself and a need for security. Drug abuse is a means of reducing stress and it is aimed mainly at relieving aggression, frustration, depression, conflict and feelings of guilt. These stress situations are the result of problems surrounding the socialization process and socializing agents. Drug dependents find self-image integration difficult and this gives rise to pro~lems concerning sex-role identification, emotionality, dealing with authority and the establishment of meaningful interpersonal and sexual relationships.