ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the results of published studies assessing the relationship between substance abuse and psychopathy, as measured by the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R). It reviews findings from studies of psychopathy and substance abuse. The chapter explores from studies of psychopathy in substance abuse treatment settings. Psychopathy and Substance Abuse among Prison Populations Generally, research demonstrates that there is a differential relationship between substance use and the PCL-R total and sub-scores. The majority of studies on the relationship between psychopathy and substance abuse in forensic settings are still conducted primarily with male offenders. Substance abuse, however, appears to be largely independent of the underlying psychopathic personality structure. Psychopathic individuals are described by Cleckley as egocentric, manipulative, unable to form long-lasting bonds with people, and unlikely to express psychotic symptoms or reality testing difficulties. Several treatment modalities may be useful with the psychopathic substance abuser.
