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The Addict as Savior: Heroin, Death, and the Family
Author(s) -
STANTON M. DUNCAN
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
family process
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.011
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1545-5300
pISSN - 0014-7370
DOI - 10.1111/j.1545-5300.1977.00191.x
Subject(s) - heroin , martyr , sacrifice , psychology , psychiatry , medicine , medical emergency , drug , theology , philosophy
The high mortality rate among drug addicts is seen as a suicidal phenomenon with a family basis. The death wish, or instruction for the addict to die, is often quite clearly expressed by the family. He is placed in the role of savior and martyr. His death is seen as a noble, cleansing sacrifice in which he is often a willing participant.