Some personality characteristics of imprisoned heroin addicts

A group of 20 imprisoned heroin addicts was compared on 4 personality dimensions with a group of non-addict fellow prisoners and a group of normal controls. The 4 personality measures examined were level of self-esteem, perceived locus of control, tendency to self-deception and tendency to project a flattering self-image. The addict group was significantly lower in self-esteem and significantly less inclined to project a flattering self-image than the normal controls. However the addicts were similar to their fellow prisoners on all the psychological measures. The addict and non-addict prisoners were also similar in respect of various socioeconomic indices and criminal history. The belief that one could give up use of heroin without outside help was found to distinguish a subgroup of addicts who were at an earlier stage in the addiction process. However this subgroup did not differ from the more experienced addicts on the 4 psychological measures.