A survey of 80 opiate addicts included in a detoxification program was conducted at the Institute on Addictions in Belgrade. In addition to a dependence diagnosis and mental disorders based on DSM-III-R, we applied a Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ) that measures the 3 major personality dimensions: novelty-seeking (NS), harm avoidance (HA) and reward dependence (RD). When compared with a control group (a sample of Yugoslav undergraduate students), the opiate addicts demonstrate significantly high NS dimension as well as significant divergences of HA and RD subscales. The surveyed opiate addicts demonstrate a high percentage of personality disorders specifically in cluster B. The personality dimensions of opiate addicts showed certain temperament traits, such as: impulsiveness, shyness with strangers, fear of uncertainty and dependence. NS, HA and RD determined by temperament specifics may be an etiological factor in forming of a personality disorder, an affective disorder as well as of a drug choice.

The objective of this paper was to investigate the characteristics of a drug addict's family structure in our culture. The investigation, involving 41 families, was performed by using a three-generational genogram and an interview. The "identified patient" was addicted to opiates. The results show that the family of a drug-addicted individual does not differ much, if at all, from the typical post-war Yugoslav family. However, the feedback and interactions of certain positions in the birth order of IPs and their parents, together with some other factors, point to some predictable risk factors for the onset of drug addition.

This work was carried out in collaboration between all authors. Author LJM treated the patient, designed the study, completed the initial literature search and wrote the all drafts of the manuscript. Author MGV provided consultation in the treatment and preparation of the paper and manuscript. Author RH completed a revised literature review and helped submit the documents. Author RI completed a literature review of the psychopharmacology literature and completed all documents required for publication by the Veterans Administration and author SA assisted in preparing the case presentation. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.