Socio-Cultural Determinants of Substance Abuse

Substance abuse around the world today, takes place in pandemic proportions. It occurs in a socio-cultural environment with various factors affecting its use. The environment determines the availability, desirability and acceptability of the abused substances. Consequently, the drugs that an individual is exposed to and his/her behavior under the influence of drugs are determined by the individual’s position in the societal set up. This paper describes the socio-cultural factors that underline the emergence of drug use and its implications to the society. It will also explain the drug addiction defense mechanisms (Ruiz, Strain & Langrod, 2007).Socio-Cultural Determinants of Substance Abuse