Tragic Beauties: Heroin Images and Heroin Users

Abstract

We present selected findings from “An Ethnography of Young Heroin Users” concerning media and youth-subculture influences on the initiation and continuation of heroin use among young adults ages 18–25. One hundred and two male and female participants were administered depth interviews and structured questionnaires pertaining to heroin initiation and continuation practices. A number of participants mentioned media depictions of heroin and membership in specific youth cultures in relation to their own heroin use. This complex relationship between heroin use, media, and subcultures is discussed. A common theme emerged from the depth interviews of fatalistic life outlooks, which were often linked with negative childhood experiences as well as with heroin use. Some of these young addicts romanticized heroin use and the tragedy of overdose. These findings are discussed with reference to further research and possible interventions.