Substance Abuse and Society
Society and substance abuse have a very long history, one that stretches back as far as
substances have been around. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that society began to view substance use
as a social problem (Hart & Ksir, 2018). Today, substnace abuse is still a major social issue that is getting
a lot of attention with 48.7 million people aged 12 and up that reported a substnace use disorder in
2022 (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, 2023) .
Personal Observation
Substance abuse is massive issue in Springfield, Missouri where I currently reside. I am an addict
in recovery from substance abuse so I know first hand the devastation that it causes, not only did I
damage myself, but I caused pain for my family and my community. Methamphetamine, heroin,
fentanyl, and prescription drug abuse are the prominent substances that are negatively affecting the
community , not to mention the harm that befalls the families and the substance abuser themselves.
One of the many issues that cause concern for the community is the large number of used
syringes that are found all over the place that are left by people who have substance abuse issues that
are on the streets. They are found in yards, parking lots, and playgrounds near where kids are playing
and that people come into contact with everyday. This is a public health concern as Hepatitis C and HIV
is are common and contracted by contact with contaminated syringes. There are no needle exchange
programs here or safe injection sites in Springfield, which I feel would help the situation tremendously.
Treatment options are minimal in Springfield. There is one facility that is state run and will
accept those without insurance, a couple of residential treatment facilities that accept private insurance,
a few outpatient programs that offer medication-assisted treatment, and one methadone clinic. There
are not many options and therefore becomes a challenge for persons who may seek treatment for their
substance abuse problems.
I have also observed and experienced the stress and shame comes having substance abuse
issues and the stigma that accompanies it. This is a barrier to seeking any type of help for the persons in
active addiction (Harvard Health Publishing, 2021). Stigma occurs as judgement that results from the
institutionalization and individual practiceexecution of negative harmful attitudes, beliefsviews, and
actionsStigmaactions Stigma persists due to the idea that addiction is an outcome of personal chice,
suggesting a lack of willpower or moral defectiveness (Atkins et al., 2020). This view is pervasive in
society and also among healthcare specialists who interact with persons with substance use disorder
and has been one of the catalysts in the skyrocketing overdose death rate, both locally as welll as
globally.
The homeless population has grown exponentially in Springfield as has the number of people
that are incarcerated. A compound that is much bigger had to be built to house all of the inmates. An
upsurge of crime has taken center stage in this fairly small city and the public are deeply concerned. All
of these things are interconnected and are directly related to the number of people that are struggling
in their addiction. Many changes need to occur to help in the reduction of suffering amonst this
population of people.
Society thus far has addressed the problem of substance abuse in many different ways. The
response early on was punitive, strongly relying on incarceration and the regulation of persons that
used and abused drugs (Brownstein, 2015). The increase in the types of drug users coupled with an
growth in the number of different drugs available prompted drug policy to veer away from punitive
measures and transition to a largely therapeutic response. Substance abuse prevention and treatment
became the focus of legislative development. Drug abuse prevention is primarily focused on both risk
and protective factors that often lead to substance abuse. Treatment of substance abuse issues include
residential inpatient treatment, outpatient programs, medication-assisted treatment, psychotherapy,
and involvement in 12-step groups. All of these choices give the person the tools to use to better their
chances of achieving and maintaining a lifestyle of recovery and be a productive member of society.
The church’s response to substance abuse in the past usually came from a place of moral
judgement, placing blame on the individual struggling with substance abuse issues rather than viewing it
from a medical standpoint (Brownstein, 2015). They were often told to just trust God but failed to
address the underlying issues that led the person to abuse substances. This view was insufficient when
considering the complexity of addiction. The church has moved toward a focus on the transformation
that occurs on the journey to recovery and that it entails more than abstaining from substances (Crouch,
2022). Compassion is starting to replace those judgemental views of substance abuse as an ever
increasing number of chuchgoers recognize that addiction is a real medical illness that impairs the brain
function of the person using. Religion offers hope to those with substance abuse issues. Research has
proved that there is a strong connection that exists between activities and involvement in religious
practices and a better and more positive outcome than those who do not participate (Grim & Grim,
2019).
Society and the church both have begun to recognize the significant role that community plays
in the effort to reduce the suffering of the population that struggles with substance abuse issues
(Crouch, 2022). The wealth of support and resources this important connection provides has been
forgotten over the years in society. The chances of success and recovery from the issues associated with
substnace abuse and the disease itself only increase as all of society try to come together and find
solutions to this social problem.
Substance Abuse and Conflict Theory
Conflict theory speculates that substance abuse as a social problem arises from inequality, class
conflict, and power dynamic forces within society. Social Inequities related to Substance abuse is
largely a problem embedded in structural differences (Atkins et al, 2020). These inequalities are
often correlated to socioeconomic standing, race, and ethnicity. Conflict theory claims that
minorities, or the lower class, are disproportionately influenced by substance abuse. The
uneven distribution of power and sources impacts access to education, healthcare, as well as
employment. These discrepancies, in turn, affect substance use patterns. . The criminalization of
certain drugs disproportionately impacts marginalized communities. Legal penalties for drug
offenses can perpetuate social inequality. This is true also for determining what is legal and
illegal. Conflict theory implies that the lawful standing of drugs is influenced by power
dynamics. Drug are considered illegal due to societal norms, political decisions, and economic
interests. The criminalization of specific drugs disproportionately effects marginalized
populations. Legal consequences for drug crimes can continue social inequality.
Conflict theorists support social change to address substance abuse (Weinberg, 2019).
This change concerns challenging existing power organizations and promoting policies that have
equity. Advocacy groups work to replace drug policies, reduce stigma, and offer support.
Conflict theory reminds us that substance abuse is not solely an individual issue but a reflection
of broader societal conflicts and power struggles. Addressing substance abuse requires
addressing underlying structural inequalities and advocating for social justice.
Conflict theory provides a detailed lens through which we can comprehend substance abuse as
a consequence of social disparities and power imbalances.
References
American Addiction Centers. (2023, 06 29). Addressing Addiction When Drug Use Is Part of Life.
Retrieved from American Addiction Centers: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/harm-
reduction/illicit-drugs-part-of-life
Atkins, J., Dopp, A., & Temaner, E. (2020). Combatting the Stigma of Addiction - The Need for a
Comprehensive Health System Approach. Retrieved from National Academy of Medicine:
https://nam.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Combatting-the-Stigma-of-Addiction.pdf
Beccaria & Prina, F. (2020). Sociological perspectives. Retrieved from The SAGE Handbook of Drug and
Alcohol Studies: Social Science Approaches:
https://search.credoreference.com/articles/Qm9va0FydGljbGU6NDM
Brownstein, H. (2015). The Handbook of Drugs and Society. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Retrieved from The
Handbook of Drugs and Society, edited by Henry H. Brownstein, John Wiley & Sons,
Incorporated, 2015. ProQuest Ebook Central,
http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/liberty/detail.action?docID=4435983.
Christian Standard Bible . (2017). Holman Bible Publishers. Retrieved from https://csbible.com/about-
the-csb/
Crouch, D. (2022, April 18). How churches and communities can collaborate to overcome the opioid
crisis. Retrieved from The Ethics and Religious Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention:
https://erlc.com/
Grim, B. &. (2019). Belief, Behavior, and Belonging: How Faith is Indispensable in Preventing and
Recovering. Journal of Religion and Health, 1730-1752. Retrieved from
https://www.jstor.org/stable/45216944
Hart, C., & Ksir, C. (2018). Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior. New York, NY: McGraw Hill. Retrieved
from https://prod.reader-ui.prod.mheducation.com/epub/sn_1e68/data-uuid-
21b95074fca3488fb619e2d74a56e689
Harvard Health Publishing. (2021, 09 28). Poverty, homelessness, and social stigma make addiction more
deadly. Retrieved from Harvard Medical School: https://www.health.harvard.edu/
Knox, J. (2023). Sociology is Rude: A Conversation on Sociological Theory and Thought. Dubuque, IA:
Kendall Hunt. Retrieved from
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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration. (2023, 11 13). HHS, SAMHSA Release 2022 National
Survey on Drug Use and Health Data. Retrieved from Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/press-announcements/20231113/hhs-
samhsa-release-2022-nsduh-data
The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023). SAMHSA Announces National Survey on
Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) Results Detailing Mental Illness and Substance Use Levels in 2021.
Retrieved from U. S. Department of Health and Human Services:
https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/01/04/samhsa-announces-national-survey-drug-use-
health-results-detailing-mental-illness-substance-use-levels-2021.html
Weinberg, T. F. (2019). The American Drug Culture. SAGE Publications, Inc. Retrieved from
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