Drug-related identity change: Theoretical development and empirical assessment

Author(s): Mott, J. A.

Journal/Book: J Drug Issues. 1998; 28: Florida State Univ, School, Criminology Criminal Justice, PO Box 66696, Tallahassee, FL 32313-6696. J Drug Issues Inc. 299-327.

Abstract: Our study targets an understanding of the drug-related identity change process, which may offer important sociological insights into the etiology of drug abuse. Our work is grounded in symbolic interactionism, cultural studies, and an extant drug-identity model (Anderson 1994). We use a quantitative survey instrument and retrospective accounts to test our model with a representative sample of white and black females and males seeking treatment for drug abuse in mid-Michigan. Our data show that for many drug-related identity change began in Childhood and early adolescence with marginalizing experiences that helped create ego identity discomfort and lost control in defining an identity before drug use Identification with a drug subculture offered alternative identities to resolve such predicaments. Additionally, we found that identification with a drug subculture significantly reduced ego identity discomfort during drug use, which, thereby, substantiates the claim that subcultures can act as solutions to individual problems and predicaments.

Note: Article Anderson TL, Univ Illinois, 850 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 400, Chicago,IL 60607 USA

Keyword(s): SEXUAL ABUSE; PEER; TRANSFORMATION; ADOLESCENTS; ADDICTION; DRINKING; BEHAVIOR; SELF

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