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Comparative study of heroin and ecstasy abusers in the SAF
Author
Ip, Lee Lee
Supervisor
Khoo, Angeline
Abstract
This study aimed to understand the ecstasy and heroin abusers in the SAF in terms of six factors, namely, demographic profile, family background, social factors, addiction history, abstention history and social support network. A questionnaire was developed to explore these factors. Data collection was based on per-sonal interviews with 31 heroin abusers and 32 ecstasy abusers.
The study showed that the SAF drug abusers would likely to be single, left school early, and living with their parents in a four or three-room HDB fiat. Compared to ecstasy abusers, heroin abusers would likely to be aged 21, from one of the three main ethnic groups. He would probably had abstained from drugs for less than a year and had a drug conviction in the SAF. The ecstasy abuser woultl likely to be a Chinese, aged 20, abstained from drugs for more than a year, and had no drug conviction.
In terms of social factors, both groups were likely to report similar day leisure activities like watching moviesPNNCDs, playing sports and visiting night entertainment spots. Heroin abusers would more likely to participate in soccer whereas ecstasy abusers would more likely to shop in the day and hang around with friends at night.
In terms of addiction history, it appeared that heroin abusers were heavier smokers. Both groups were likely to be introduced to drugs by friends and began using drugs at the age of 17 out of curiosity or for fun. Ecstasy abusers were more lilqely to use dnrgs with friends at entertainment spots. The heroin abusers, in contrast, had more drug friends within their peer group.
Regarding abstention history, both groups were likely to report that their drug abstention attempts were mainly for their own sake. Besides, they were likely to report that their present drug abstention was due to family and work prospects. However, ecstasy abusers were more likely to have fewer drug abstention attempts and were more likely to utilise the drug confession scheme.
In terms of social support, heroin abusers appeared to have a slightly larger overall support network size as compared to ecstasy abusers but the number of support providers for each type of support were very similar. Both groups seemed to have a larger support network for financial support, followed by advice, material and emotional support. Most respondents reported that their primary support providers were females. Also, these primary support providers, except for work support, were likely to be family members. Mothers were found to be the most popular support providers, followed by friends and girlfriends.
Certainly, the above profile did not represent all the drug abusers in the SAF but serves to highlight some variations in the six factors. However, there were more substantial similarities than differences. Finally, .the implications of the study as well as recommendations for rehabilitation programme and future research were discussed.
The study showed that the SAF drug abusers would likely to be single, left school early, and living with their parents in a four or three-room HDB fiat. Compared to ecstasy abusers, heroin abusers would likely to be aged 21, from one of the three main ethnic groups. He would probably had abstained from drugs for less than a year and had a drug conviction in the SAF. The ecstasy abuser woultl likely to be a Chinese, aged 20, abstained from drugs for more than a year, and had no drug conviction.
In terms of social factors, both groups were likely to report similar day leisure activities like watching moviesPNNCDs, playing sports and visiting night entertainment spots. Heroin abusers would more likely to participate in soccer whereas ecstasy abusers would more likely to shop in the day and hang around with friends at night.
In terms of addiction history, it appeared that heroin abusers were heavier smokers. Both groups were likely to be introduced to drugs by friends and began using drugs at the age of 17 out of curiosity or for fun. Ecstasy abusers were more lilqely to use dnrgs with friends at entertainment spots. The heroin abusers, in contrast, had more drug friends within their peer group.
Regarding abstention history, both groups were likely to report that their drug abstention attempts were mainly for their own sake. Besides, they were likely to report that their present drug abstention was due to family and work prospects. However, ecstasy abusers were more likely to have fewer drug abstention attempts and were more likely to utilise the drug confession scheme.
In terms of social support, heroin abusers appeared to have a slightly larger overall support network size as compared to ecstasy abusers but the number of support providers for each type of support were very similar. Both groups seemed to have a larger support network for financial support, followed by advice, material and emotional support. Most respondents reported that their primary support providers were females. Also, these primary support providers, except for work support, were likely to be family members. Mothers were found to be the most popular support providers, followed by friends and girlfriends.
Certainly, the above profile did not represent all the drug abusers in the SAF but serves to highlight some variations in the six factors. However, there were more substantial similarities than differences. Finally, .the implications of the study as well as recommendations for rehabilitation programme and future research were discussed.
Date Issued
1999
Call Number
HV5840.S5 Ip
Date Submitted
1999