ABSTRACT
In considering an individual drugtaker, one is confronted with a need to consider preexisting psychopathy, character structure, and the development of that person. There is also the need to discern and study the modifications that have resulted from the effect of the drug(s) taken over time. Drug addicts share a tendency to act out with criminals-to-be. It is because of the poor and inadequate tolerance and negotiation of the depressive position that their criminal fantasies do not become subject to a mini-mourning process. The drug-using group phenomenon in Western Europe and America is an important development during the past generation. The issue of "getting off drugs" is made difficult because the whole self is required to sustain the work needed. It is important to stress that amenability to sustained improvement finally depends on the capacity of the patient to tolerate frustration, tension, and psychic pain without rushing for the magical relief of drugs.
