This is a case history, primarily genetic in its presentation, of a young man who in many ways typifies the user of hard drugs. The authors discuss deficits in ego and superego functioning which they feel are common in this group: defects in object relationships, in impulse and affect control, and in cognition and synthetic abilities. The paper is an interesting, well-written illustration of the defensive use of multiple and shifting drugs. Unfortunately, the opportunity to explore the dynamic origin of such severe psychopathology does not often present itself to analysts.