yes, therapy helps!
Addictions from the social point of view

Addictions from the social point of view

March 4, 2024

The problem of addictions, due to its complexity, requires a complex, interdisciplinary approach to achieve an integral approach that leads us to understand it in the most complete way possible. One of the edges of possible reading and analysis in the area of ​​addictions is the social area .

  • Related article: "Addiction: disease or learning disorder?"

What does the social look focus on?

In the configuration of an addiction, many aspects, conditions and factors converge. Beyond the physical and psychological characteristics that a person must have to develop addictive behavior, and outside the most intimate and individual, there are social factors that condition and intertwine with other circumstances for this to occur.


The broader family and social context , where the person is born, is raised and develops his life, can condition, although not determined, the habit of compulsive consumption, and in some way promote it.

As long as each family is different, there will be the possibility that each one will configure a different position on consumption. Therefore, just as some families promote consumption and others prohibit it abruptly, acquiring repressive features and the order of taboo; other families can, without facilitating or prohibiting consumption , educate so that this one, if it is going to exist, is in a moderate way.

Social and family factors of addiction

Are there socio-family factors that can promote addictive or risky behavior?


Yes, there are many factors that can constitute a risk. We can mention the lack of networks of containment, involvement of family ties, communication and dialogue, or the presence of close relatives or loved ones with problematic use.

When a socio-family environment promotes the consumption of substances, the risk factors that increase the probability of consumption and that it is problematic prevail. That is, if a child is born and grows up in a family system where the elderly (and sometimes also young people under 18) drink alcohol, at each family reunion, the child can come to think that the drink can not miss . If this same child observes a significant reference figure drinking excessively, having fun, he may come to associate alcohol = fun.

It can also happen that you get used to having a member of your immediate environment take sleeping pills, not be nervous or be calmer, without proper supervised treatment.


The message is the same: you need the substances to have a better time . And although children are told not to drink, or not to drink more or not involved with certain substances, they will be the acts and concrete facts that will modulate the behaviors of young people. They learn more by what they see than by what they are told, that is why we must accompany our words with our actions.

Other recurring scenes of consumption are usually seen in the neighborhood. Sitting on the sidewalk, big and small, as a way of life they use the "stop at the corner", with people they consider friends but perhaps they are only momentary partners of consumption.

  • Maybe you're interested: "Alcoholism: these are the effects of drinking dependence"

Are these aspects sufficient to determine a consumption problem?

Of course, these social aspects are not enough. Should converge other factors that are linked to the social. Social phenomena are only one component, important and conditioning but not determinant. In the framework of issues that generate a problematic situation of consumption, they are the social, cultural, physical-neurological and psychological .

Each member of the society we make up takes a position, sometimes without realizing it, about the 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 confusing the addict as a synonym of delinquent, or dangerous.

Depending on what position we assume as part of society we can contribute or not, to a social change.

Similar Articles