Negative memories of childhood and current drug use

Data on drug abuse and memories of the childhood were collected through a self-report questionnaire from a group of current drug users and a group of non-using controls. Both samples were unidentified as groups by the society and were identified by the researchers throw snowball sampling. Earlier results of an unstable childhood and a poor social situation from studies that used other sampling methods were replicated. The drug users had an earlier nicotine and alcohol debut, and perceived themselves as unloved, physically abused children that were afraid of their parents during childhood. In addition, depression, suicide attempts and convictions were more common among the drug users.