Motives for Drug Use: An Application of Cohen's Typology

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Abstract
A modified version of Cohen''s typology of motives leading to drug use was studied in 3 private schools, grades 7-12, 2 colleges, and a random sample of adults in 2 cities in a rural county. The distribution of motives for the use of 12 categories of drugs was summarized for each population and comparisons made for age and sex differences. Younger respodents reported a higher use of drugs for adventure/curiosity reasons than older respondents. Students using drugs at a college having unusually low drug use showed a higher level of general motive satisfaction than students at a college having average drug use. Females reported a somewhat higher level of general motive satisfaction than males, but the sex differences observed were not consistent with common sex role stereotypes. By applying these motive distributions in a given community or institution, and following Cohen''s suggestions for alternatives to drug use, it would be possible to build an effective program aimed at the prevention of drug abuse.

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