A new perspective on intervention in heavy, chronic drug use

No single intervention strategy can solve all problems of drug abuse. Large-scale methods do not contribute to understanding or solving the problems of individual persons. Research on individuals shows that each major drug of abuse produces a distinctive ego state. Heavy, chronic users choose drugs which generate states that provide the illusion of solving personal problems, the origins of which are traceable to early personal development. A previously described theory attributed these problems to difficulties in Ego development. It is also necessary, however, to account for numinous factors. This is accomplished by postulating the existence of the Self, an unconscious counterpart of the Ego. Successful personal development carries both Ego and Self along a spiraling course through the major crises of individuation. The relationship of Self and Ego is expressed by life themes. These derive from myths that live themselves out as autonomous complexes in an individual's life. Therapists who treat individuals must work with the Self as well as the Ego. This means recognizing and dealing with mythic factors. Although the basic theory in this paper was derived from studying heavy, chronic drug users, it is general in nature and applies to all persons.