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Systemic aspects of abstinence and addiction
The British Journal of Medical Psychology
|June 1, 1977
Summary
Addiction is often reframed from a social issue to an individual problem. Social environments like drug subcultures, families, and clinics reinforce this shift, perpetuating the myth of the addict being "out of control".
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Addiction Studies
- Sociology
Background:
- Addiction is frequently viewed as an individual failing rather than a complex social phenomenon.
- Understanding the social context of addiction is crucial for effective intervention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine how the social context influences the perception and management of addiction.
- To investigate the role of social systems in transforming addiction from a social to an individual problem.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of social interactions within addiction-related environments.
- Examination of discourse surrounding addiction in subcultures, families, and treatment centers.
Main Results:
- Social environments covertly elicit and reinforce the transformation of addiction.
- The myth of the addict being "out of control" is maintained by these social systems.
- Abstinence is significantly impacted by this shift in problem framing.
Conclusions:
- Social systems play a critical role in shaping the narrative of addiction.
- Challenging the "out of control" myth is essential for addressing addiction effectively.
- Reframing addiction as a social issue is vital for successful recovery and reintegration.