ABSTRACT
Studies of narcotic addicts have shown that no single personality profile can adequately encompass their diversity. Classifications of the personality and its patterns are based on the perceptions of others, primarily employing criteria involving assessments of motivation and social adjustment and, secondarily, those pertaining to emotional and intellectual capacities. Character may be distinguished from personality by criteria assessing the volitional aspect and the morality. Adding to the complexities are the interrelation of personality and environment and their psychological implications. The personality and its role in structuring the psychological environment through which the individual views his world and upon which he acts and reacts is another most important dimension. The personality structure of many addicts contains elements shown to predispose to child abuse. Most of the pertinent data relating to the youthful drug abuser and addict have come from the clinical studies carried out in the New York City area.
