Human Values and Cocaine Use

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between prioritized rankings of human values among persons who either use or do not use cocaine. Three hundred eighty-three college-aged subjects were given the Wellness Activity Profile, a questionnaire that yielded data on cocaine use and human values. Discriminant analyses indicated that the value profiles of cocaine and non-cocaine users were significantly different for both males and females. The results support the contention that dominant value orientations differ between those using cocaine and those abstaining. Personal values are more important to users, while social values are more important to non-users. Results of the study suggested that prevailing theories informing educational and treatment protocols need to account for value structures that discriminate cocaine users from non-users.