Introduction
Alcohol and drug abuse are common causes of various diseases. However, in some cases, risk factors increase a person’s susceptibility to addiction. These factors include the socioeconomic status of a person, his environment, and even the cultural aspect. Therefore, this paper will analyze the main risk factors that lead to the misuse of the substance’s drugs and alcohol.
Economic Factors
A person’s socioeconomic status, low income, and poor living conditions may increase a person’s likelihood of drug and alcohol abuse. There is a stereotype that people who live in poor areas or have low incomes are more likely to abuse substances. However, it is not a person’s economic status that influences drug and alcohol abuse but their lack of access to proper health care (Thombs and Osborn, 2019). Therefore, in this aspect, the imperfection of the healthcare system is more important.
In addition, poverty leads to the fact that people cannot meet their basic needs. For example, they often do not have access to quality healthcare services. Moreover, poverty causes social condemnation, hostility, and aggression from other people. These factors can serve as additional catalysts for the development of substance abuse due to increased social and psychological pressure. In most cases, the onset of drug or alcohol abuse becomes an opportunity for people to relieve this pressure.
Another social risk factor is belonging to a particular racial or ethnic group. According to statistics, people of color are more likely to have alcohol or drug addiction. However, this factor is directly related to the level of poverty. When faced with discrimination, people of color are more likely to become unemployed or may earn significantly less money than white people. In addition, one of the most vulnerable categories in terms of drug and alcohol abuse is homeless. Due to their insecure status, these people are forced to take care of their basic needs, such as food. At the same time, they do not receive proper medical care to prevent addiction or help with substance abuse.
Social and Cultural Factors
Sociocultural risk factors have a significant influence on the formation of drug and alcohol abuse practices. However, these factors often have a notable effect on people in adolescence and young age. First, many people feel uncomfortable and anxious when meeting others. At the same time, there is a social stereotype that alcohol makes it easier to start a conversation and makes it more straightforward. As a result, people often choose alcohol as their primary socialization aid.
Another reason for the abuse of drugs and alcohol can be the need for self-identification and the desire to rebel. This is especially true for teenagers and young people, who often do not want to put up with prohibitions and restrictions. Substance abuse is a form of adolescent protest against social norms and authority (Thombs and Osborn, 2019). Teenagers tend to act against the system, laws, and rules. Therefore, it is necessary not only to prohibit the child from using alcohol and drugs but to explain what harmful impact substance abuse can have on the human body. Moreover, medical professionals should educate the population on matters of substance abuse.
The Influence of the Environment
From early childhood, the child learns behavior patterns from parents and the environment. Accordingly, very often, the children of people with addiction are more prone to substance abuse. Moreover, such children may have alcohol and drugs in the public domain, which contributes to the development and aggravation of addiction. Moreover, this applies to children and other people living next to an addicted person. Therefore, spouses, cohabitants, and close relatives will be at risk. However, risk factors also apply to other populations. For example, people living under constant stress and in unhealthy home environments are more likely to start using alcohol and drugs. Moreover, a particularly vulnerable group is those who have experienced traumatic events such as domestic violence, especially in childhood.
In addition, the use of alcohol and drugs can serve as a factor around which people unite in social groups. Just as people tend to form interest groups, people can feel that they belong to a particular community through the shared use of various substances (Thombs and Osborn, 2019). In most cases, adolescents first try drugs or alcohol under the influence of their environment. Building social connections is essential to any person’s life, which is especially important during adolescence and adolescence. Wanting to be like their peers and trying to build relationships with them, many teenagers begin to abuse alcohol and drugs. For such teenagers living in unfavorable conditions surrounded by people with addiction, it is crucial to correctly convey information about substance abuse’s dangers and constantly raise public awareness about this problem.
Conclusion
Thus, the problem of abuse of the substance’s drugs and alcohol is widespread and depends on various risk factors. Among the main factors that determine a person’s predisposition to substance abuse are economic, sociocultural, and environmental aspects. These factors determine the risk groups in which people under the influence of external circumstances are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs. Although these risk factors are often uncontrollable, the challenge for healthcare professionals may be to reduce their harmful effects. For example, there may be additional public awareness of substance abuse problems and professional interaction of medical professionals with communities that can help people cope with addictions.
Reference List
Thombs, D.L. and Osborn, C.J. (2019) Introduction to addictive behaviors. New York: The Guilford Press.