Sex Differences in Socialization and Family Dynamics of Female and Male Heroin Users

Abstract

This article examines gender differences in socialization experiences and family dynamics of heroin addicted women and men. While problems do exist in the families of drug addicts, these data indicate a lack of severe pathology in family functioning. However, the existing familial conflicts suggest important gender differences in retrospective perceptions. Initial drug use for women was more closely related to interpersonal affiliative issues. Women who use heroin are more likely to seek out an addict peer group because of poor self‐image and as a reaction to an unhappy family situation. Men, in contrast, experienced the greatest difficulty in their early years with extra‐familial forces, such as school, poverty and peers. Peer group activity was a more important influence on the male addicts' initial drug use. Men were also significantly more likely to report using alcohol and illegal drugs for peer acceptance. Both groups described their mothers more positively than their fathers, with men reporting the most postitve attitudes towards mother. Both addicted men and women need assistance in working through early relationships and in developing realistic vocational goals. These results also indicate the need for family members to participate in drug rehabilitation.