The Image Of New Substance Users In The Interpersonal Communication Context

Abstract

Nurlina Rahman, Deddy Mulyana, Susanne Dida, Yanti Setianti.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the self-image of substance users as they first enter a new environment (a community of drug-users) through the understanding of their self-concept as a tendentious factor. Based on a phenomenological perspective and employing a qualitative method, the study aims to reveal the self-image of drug users in the context of interpersonal communication, and to understand their behavior from this point of view. The data of 20 subjects was collected using the snowball sampling technique. The majority of subjects in the study began taking drugs between 10 and 16 years of age, including one informant who began taking drugs in elementary school. The research showed several distinct categories related to the way drug users describe their perception of illicit substances: as a "socializing tool, namely as an indicator of acceptance into a group or gang, and as an indication of their appreciation of their friends; as a "happiness and relaxation tool"; as "a lifestyle" [increasing self-confidence, signifying strength and bravery, and giving a sense of participating in a trend]; as "a survival tool"; as "a form of escapism/camouflage"; as "something frightening" [something deadly]. The phenomenon shown among the case studies of the drug users in this research indicates that the positive attitude of first-time drug users shapes the way in which they see the community into which they are entering- a community which contrastingly has a tendency towards negative behavior. It is hoped that this research will provide a greater understanding for society at large, and especially for individuals, families, and education professionals, enabling them to better recognize the early signs and symptoms of substance abuse- a growing social concern for the people of Indonesia.