Drug Dependence and Self-Esteem

Abstract

A number of recent studies have dealt with variables related to self-esteem, but despite suggestions in the literature, there are few empirical studies concerned with the association between self-esteem and drug dependence. In an investigation of self-esteem, 71 subjects completed semantic differential forms for their self and ideal-self concepts. Four hypotheses were investigated. It was predicted that differences in self-esteem (as measured by the discrepancy between self and ideal-self concepts), would be found between inpatient and outpatient groups, males and females, intravenous and oral users, and between drug-dependent subjects and a control group. No differences were found between inpatients and outpatients, or between intravenous and oral groups. However, females who were dependent upon drugs were found to have lower self-esteem than males in terms of the evaluation factor. No such sex difference was found in the control group. Also, significant differences were found between all drug groups and the control group on the evaluation and potency factors. It is suggested that the results show considerable deficiencies of self-esteem among drug-dependent patients, and that female addicts are especially deficient in this respect. In terms of etiology, this association between drug dependence and low self-esteem may indicate that those individuals with a deficient self-image who are exposed to drugs may be at risk; this may carry implications also for alcohol and nicotine dependence. It is suggested that self-image therapy may be of value for certain drug-dependent patients, especially females.