Correlation between Two Measures of Self-Esteem and Drug Use in a College Sample

The relationship between drug and alcohol use and self-esteem was investigated using students living in a co-ed dormitory. A questionnaire was distributed containing four sections including demographic information, the Coopersmith Self-esteem Inventory (1967), an A Priori Identity Crisis scale, and a frequency of drug/alcohol use scale. 66% of the questionnaires were returned, yielding a sample of 171 males and 219 females. Heavy use of alcohol was related to low self-esteem. No relationship, however, was found between drug use and self-esteem. The relationship between drug and alcohol use and psychopathology is discussed as being a continuum.