Introduction
The opioid crisis has been a persistent problem in many countries, including the United States. The social learning theory will be the theoretical basis for this research. The social learning hypothesis is a psychology theory that proposes that people learn from their settings and the people surrounding them (Akpan & Kennedy, 2020). In line with this notion, people may learn by observing and mimicking the conduct of others.
Description of the Social Learning Theory
The social learning theory’s guiding assumptions are that conduct is learned from the surroundings, that behavior is reinforced by incentives and penalties, and that behavior is impacted by thought functions. The theory may be applied to the opioid problem to understand why people become dependent on opioids. It implies that individuals may adopt to use opioids through their surroundings, such as classmates or relatives who use them. Furthermore, the hypothesis implies that people may continue to take opioids because of the benefits they provide, such as pain alleviation or exhilaration.
Application of the Social Learning Theory
The social learning theory could be applied in this study by examining how people learn to use opioids and why they maintain using them. Measures to avoid and cure opioid addiction can be created by studying the cognitive and contextual variables that drive opioid usage. Interventions might, for example, focus on the social and environmental aspects that lead to opioid addiction, such as group influence or easy availability of opioids. Moreover, therapies should focus on reducing the benefits associated with opioid usage, such as establishing alternate pain management techniques.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the social learning theory can assist in comprehending opioid addiction and designing treatments to prevent and cure it. Examining how people learn from their social surroundings and how this acquisition might contribute to the development of addiction is one way the social learning theory can be utilized in the opioid crisis. Furthermore, the social learning theory can give insight into why certain people are more sensitive to opiate abuse than others based on characteristics such as their social context and prior experiences.
Reference
Akpan, B., & Kennedy, T. J. (2020). Science education in theory and practice: An introductory guide to learning theory. Springer Nature.