Addiction to alcohol and drugs today, is a problem that has beset the society at large. There are multiples reasons under which usage turns into abuse in no time. At initial stage people indulge themselves into substance abuse under the desperate need to deal with stress, depression or just to ‘fit in’ with their peer groups.
Despite being legal, alcohol is not advertised overtly as per the law of the land. However, subliminal marketing in the form of the alcohol brands selling other products like mineral water or soda etc. is advertised. There is a new watering hole opening every day. Consumers are enticed with happy hours wherein unlimited drinks are served at a minimal price. These systems targets the youth, who have limited flow of money. At the same time in some places there is talk of prohibiting alcohol. This leads to hoarding stocks of alcohol, encourages black marketing of the same, thus leading to an increase in criminal activities and consumption.
On the other hand the consequences of such rampant use of drugs and alcohol are lethal. While churning out the causes of addiction, it is proven that there is no particular physical cause of addiction. Generally, it is assessed that anxiety and stressful environment affects people and their behavior. Moreover, the society norms create the division between what is normal and what is not, this process ends up classifying some as addicts. From this point of view, addiction is triggered by external factors. Researches have also proved that one living in association with someone, who abuse alcohol or drugs are more likely to get involved in it too. However, there are various additional social, such as – family influence, religious and cultural influence, media influence are some factors that contribute to addiction.
Here we will discuss about some social factors that influence addiction
Parenting & Family – one of the most important factors that initiate addiction in an individual is an early life experience. Parenting style, family issues, and early life supervision play a very vital role in mental health development, like – stress, depression, and substance abuse. As young individuals, we learn the skills to cope with stress and anxiety. But, if the learning is hampered, then this can provoke self-destructive behavior in later life. The internal factors are triggered in adolescence only, which later leads one to have mental health disorder or addiction disorder. Avoiding parents, emotional and sexual abuse, or even divorce have been very crucial factors behind addiction.
Peer Group – if an individual’s social interaction mostly depends on the people with alcohol or drug addiction is more likely to get addicted. Feeling connected to like-minded people or the sense of belonging plays a strong role in the mechanism of addiction. Studies conducted on addicted individuals have proven that peer pressure occupies the largest chunk of reasons.
Social Media – It is known that social media has both positive and negative influences on society. When someone is struggling with their emotional issues and follow other people online, who appear to be merry, attractive, and having fun in their lives, it makes someone feel psychologically alienated. This isolation can also damage the given person’s self-esteem, and can also intensify the feeling of shame and anger. It is evident that social media has immensely influenced addiction and mental illness in mass. Despite this unfortunate situation, there are people, who are taking initiative to change this influence by putting imperfections and difficulties upfront to fight the stigma and shame.
Multimedia – Addiction has also been hugely influenced by various other multimedia avenues. Media modems such as – movies, TV shows, video games, etc. hugely dominate the rise of substance abuse disorder and other mental health issues. Showcasing substance abuse, glorifying unrealistic goals and wishes, the portrayal of an unhealthy relationship, sex, violence, and many more can stimulate the adolescent viewers to absorb the information and develop a self-critical and unhealthy view towards life.
Religion & Culture – Culture and religion heavily influence the aspects of addiction in society. There are many aspects of culture and religion, such as the topography you live in, particular religious belief, cultural teachings, and religious activities – stimulates addictive behaviors. There is some cultural belief that allows men of the society to drink unlike women and therefore triggering diversity in alcohol abuse by gender. It’s often proved that addictive behavioral disorder takes place in a colossal number of people as a direct response in rebellion against social norms.
Living Environments – Often in addiction, the immediate environment can trigger substance abuse immensely. Attending a birthday party to heading for a pub for ‘after-work drinks’ or your residence where you are alone, can trigger the reasons associated with substance abuse. These repeated behaviors become a habit in no time, which becomes really hard to get rid of. These triggers can be amplified when the physical place and the people in it are both associated with alcohol or drug abuse.
It’s important to remember that these influences are just risk factors, they will typically not account for all the reasons why someone struggles with addiction. In truth, a whole array of factors come together to bring about the final condition but knowing what your environmental triggers are can allow you to take steps to minimize their effects. This gives you more control over your recovery and your life.
Get In Touch With Our Expert Counselors
[download-brochure-sidebar]
[phone-number-sidebar]
[socialicons-sidebar]
Post Your Comment:
0
votes