Objectives : stressful life events, coping strategies and attitude towards life have been known as important components in tendency toward substance abuse. This study investigates coping patterns and dysfunctional attitudes among a group of clients at Mashhad Welfare Center as substance abusers comparing with those of control group. Method: 50 male substance abusers were selected randomly and matched with control group with regard to age, education, job and income level. Dysfunctional Attitude Scale and Coping Skills Questionnaire were applied in this study. Findings: results showed that during stressful period of life, substance abusers had weaker problem solving strategies, cognitive evaluation and social support compared with control group. Conclusion: this study showed that cognitive therapy and coping skills training could be beneficial for primary and secondary prevention.