Sociocultural Models of Addiction

Substance use disorders do not occur in a vacuum; therefore, social and environmental influences must be taken into account as causal factors or factors that place individuals and, in some instances, entire communities at risk for these disorders. Several social and environmental features have been identified as having greater influence on those who develop addictions. For example, it is not unusual to find that substance use disorders are more prevalent in areas that are gripped by poverty, racism, and a lack of occupational and educational opportunities. It is also known that role models have a great impact on alcohol and drug use. Several influential sociocultural models are described in this entry.