title: The addict as savior: heroin, death, and the family.
abstract: The high mortality rate among drug addicts is seen as a suicidal phenomenon with a family basis. The death wish, or instruction for the addict to die, is often quite clearly expressed by the family. He is placed in the role of savior and martyr. His death is seen as a noble, cleansing sacrifice in which he is often a willing participant.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001293:Attitude to Death; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders; D013405:Suicide