Drug and substance abuse refers to the use of drugs for functions other than the intended purposes. It is normal to think that drug and substance abuse affects only consumers; however, it also affects various aspects of the society. For example, substance abusers harm themselves, their families, and communities by risking people’s lives through violence, reckless driving, committing crimes, and other factors such as housing, education, and employment (Karch, 2019). In addition, individuals under the significant influence of drugs and substances tend to develop mental illness and complicated health issues, and the effects trickle-down to affect all aspects of life.
Various sociological causes and explanations have been linked to drug and substance abuse, and several theories explain the causes of drug abuse, especially among the youths. This study discusses two sociological causes of drug abuse theories: social control and self-control theories. These two theories elaborate on the relationship between substance abuse and crime, and the theories believe that criminal activities result from drug abuse. Sociological theories focus on the roles of the social structure instead of individual behavior (Ali, 2017). While drug and substance abuse is a physiological problem, various cultural and social factors cultivate the existence of this problem. Social factors contributing to drug abuse include; peer pressure relationships, association with gangs, bonding experience, relief from stress, and lifestyle appeal.
Sociologists and experts believe that effectively dealing with peer pressure is the immediate solution to drug and substance abuse. Also, treating mentally ill patients and helping individuals deal with life pressure can help curb the problem (Wells, 2017). Experts also believe in cognitive behavioral therapy, as it has demonstrated over the years, to help those on drug and substance abuse understand the effects of their actions and learn other coping mechanisms to prevent them.
References
Ali, H. I. (2017). Drug abuse and its social effects, causes and prevention in Iraq: An analytical social study. Researchers World, 8(3), 23-31.
Karch, S. B. (Ed.). (2019). Drug abuse handbook. CRC press.
Wells, L. E. (2017). Social control and self-control theories of crime and deviance. Routledge.