The problem of addictions, due to its complexity, requires a complex, interdisciplinary approach, to achieve a comprehensive approach that leads us to understand it in the most complete way possible. One of the possible angles of reading and analysis in the area of addictions is the social area
In the configuration of an addiction, many aspects, conditions and factors come together. Beyond the physical and psychological characteristics that a person must have for addictive behavior to develop, and beyond the most intimate and individual, there are social factors that condition it and are intertwined with other circumstances for this to occur.
The broader family and social context where the person is born, raised and develops their life, can condition, although it does not determine, the habit of compulsive consumption, and in some way promote it.
As each family is different, there will be the possibility that each one will have a different position on consumption. Therefore, just as some families promote consumption and others abruptly prohibit it, acquiring repressive and taboo features; Other families can without facilitating or prohibiting consumption educate so that this, if it is going to exist, is in a moderate way.
Social and family factors of addiction
Are there socio-familial factors that can promote addictive or risky behavior?
Yes, there are many factors that can constitute a risk. We can mention the lack of support networks, involvement of family ties, communication and dialogue, or the presence of family members or close loved ones with problematic consumption.
When a socio-family environment promotes substance use, risk factors that increase the probability of use and that it is problematic take precedence. That is, if a child is born and grows up in a family system where the elderly (and sometimes also the young people under 18 years of age) drink alcohol, at every family gathering, the child may think that the drink cannot be missed If this same child observes a significant reference figure drinking excessively, having fun, he may come to relate alcohol = fun.
It may also happen that you get used to someone in your immediate environment taking sleeping pills, not being nervous or being calmer, without adequate supervised treatment.
The message is the same: you need substances to have a better time And even if children are told that they should not drink, or not drink too much, or not get involved with certain substances, it will be the specific acts and facts that will modulate the behaviors of young people. They learn more from what they see than from what they are told, which is why we must accompany our words with our actions.
Other recurring scenes of consumption are often seen in the neighborhood. Sitting on the sidewalk, young and old, they use “stopping on the corner” as a lifestyle, with people they consider friends but who may only be momentary companions of consumption.
Are these aspects sufficient to determine a consumption problem?
Of course these social aspects are not enough. Other factors that are linked to the social must come together. Social phenomena are only one component, important and conditioning but not determining. In the network of issues that generate a problematic consumption situation, there are the social, cultural, physical-neurological and psychological
Each member of the society we make up takes a position, sometimes without realizing it, about different events and social problems. Especially with addictions, it is difficult to understand if it is a problem, or if there is an intention to generate discomfort, as well as the addict is confused as a synonym for a criminal, or dangerous.
Depending on what position we assume as part of society, we may or may not contribute to social change.
