Self-destructive behavior patterns in male and female drug abusers

One hundred and fourteen male and female drug abusers were interviewed regarding their histories of self-destructive behaviors. The data were analyzed to determine if, and identify what, differences existed between males and females with respect to types and extent of self-destructiveness. The analyzed data indicate that male and female drug abusers present very different self-destructive portraits. These portraits and their component parts are presented along with possible explanations for the differences. The paper also presents some of the differences between drug abusers and the general population with respect to self-destructiveness.