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Abstract
Developmental antecedents of adult behavior are described for four matched groups of chronic drug users (cocaine, amphetamine, opiates, barbiturates, and sedative-hypnotics) and a comparable group of nonusers, each group having been studied intensively for approximately 1.5 years. Integration is provided by a theory that views psychological development as a series of ego transformations, which appear metaphorically in legend and mythology as dragon fights. Each group is characterized theoretically by a core conflict an upper limit on individuation and a typical character. Results imply that radically new approaches to psychological treatment may be needed, especially for chronic users of barbiturates, opiates, and cocaine.