INITIATION INTO DRUG-ABUSE - THE PATHWAY FROM BEING OFFERED DRUGS TO TRYING CANNABIS AND PROGRESSION TO INTRAVENOUS DRUG-ABUSE

The aim of the study was to analyse the initiation process into illicit drug use focusing on three endpoints which can be seen as stages in the drug career: being offered drugs, using cannabis and using intravenous drugs. Questionnaire data were available on 23 482 men, aged 18-20 years, conscripted for military service in 1969-70. The association between family background, social conditions, other licit drug use, emotional control and the three endpoints were analysed. Although many conscripts tried cannabis, a smaller number continued with intravenous drug abuse. These were in general characterised by poor emotional control and a history of social maladjustment, and early onset of use. Our findings give further evidence for social maladjustment as a causative factor for illicit drug use and for the role of cannabis as a stepping stone to heavy drug abuse.