The Prospective Relations Between Drug Problems and Intimacy in a Community Sample of Adults

Abstract

Three theories (Role Incompatibility Theory, problem behavior theory, and self-medication hypothesis) are tested to explain the prospective relationships between polydrug problems and adult intimacy in a community sample of adults. Polydrug Problems were negatively related to Good Intimate Relations and positively related to divorce. Polydrug Problems increased the degree to which an individual prescribed to a belief system that decreases one's ability to express affection. In contrast, Good Intimate Relations were related to Communality and decreased alcohol problems. Support for Relationship Problems was related to decreased alcohol problems. Although moderate cross-sectional support was found for the third variable hypothesis as Social Conformity eliminated the association between Polydrug Problems and adult intimate relations, Polydrug Problems and divorce remained significantly correlated despite the effect of Social Conformity. Adherence to traditionality was related to increased Good Intimate Relations 4 years later. Theoretical and developmental implications of these findings are discussed.