Of the 5,419 drug abusers who came to the attention of three regional centres in Portugal during the period 1978 to 1981, the great majority were young people. Of these, 65 per cent were in the 15-21 age group or younger; 57 per cent were male and 43 per cent were female. Among 4,338 drug abusers classified by the type of drug used, cannabis was most frequently abused (33 per cent), followed by opiates (24 per cent), barbiturate type (13 per cent), amphetamine type (11 per cent), hallucinogens (7 per cent), alcohol (5 per cent), cocaine (4 per cent) and others (3 per cent). Depression and narcissistic regression were often observed among young addicts, particularly those abusing opiates. Emphasis is placed on primary prevention and in this regard particular importance is attached to the strengthening of the identity of young drug abusers.