11 - Social factors in addictions

Social factors in addictions

© SPMM Course Caribbean men were 29% more likely to have been subject to control and restraint. It is speculated that an association with the use of substances may be a confounder. Schizophrenia and ethnicity: Aetiology & Ethnicity in Schizophrenia and other Psychoses (AESOP) study was conducted in London, Bristol and Nottingham. It reported 2-fold higher rate of incidence of psychosis in London compared to the other 2 centres. Afro-Caribbeans had a 9-fold increase in rates of psychosis. In addition, minority ethnic groups had a far higher likelihood to be detained on first presentation, accessing health often via police than GPs. Social factors in addictions Patterns of substance use across the world are strongly influenced by the sociocultural milieu of human communities. Several social factors shape the population prevalence of substance use behavior. Contextual factors such as neighborhood deprivation appear to be strong determinants of cigarette and alcohol use. Family and social network norms and social support are also important in the cessation of drug use. Factors that are consistently identified in association with substance use and alcohol are listed below (Galea et al., 2004)

Smoking Smoking •Low school achievement •Young among peer cohort •Poorer relationships with their family •Low household income Alcohol use Alcohol use •Disruption of family structure •Social networks that use alcohol •Recent immigration •Small-area deprivation Illicit substances Illicit substances •Peer drug use •Single parenting •Homelessness •Poor educational attainment •Neighborhood disadvantage •Unemployment