Data on drug abuse & memories of childhood were collected through a self-report questionnaire from a group of current drug users & a group of non-using controls. Both samples were identified by the researchers through snowball sampling. The drug users were found to have an earlier nicotine & alcohol debut, & perceived themselves as unloved, physically abused children that were afraid of their parents during childhood. In addition, depression, suicide attempts & convictions were more common among the drug users. (25 refs)