Addiction as a Social Problem
Addiction as a Social Problem
SOC 210
Although Addiction to drugs and alcohol can be viewed as a biological and psychological problem, it has many sociological implications that suggest it may be caused by cultural structures and society as a whole. Addiction plagues millions of Americans in today’s world. By definition it is the continued repetition of a behavior despite adverse consequences, or a neurological impairment leading to such behaviors (Lindesmith, 1938). Addictions can include, but are not limited to, drug abuse, exercise addiction, food addiction, sexual addiction, computer addiction and gambling. Classic hallmarks of addiction include impaired control over substances or behavior, preoccupation with substance or behavior, continued use despite consequences, and denial. Lack of creative labor, disconnectedness, and the over reliance on substances to feel “ok” are a few of the reasons addiction is a major social issue today. It has become commonplace to point out that when young people resort to marijuana and LSD they are only following the example of their elders, who lean so heavily on alcohol, medically prescribed stimulants and tranquilizers, and the daily stimulation of coffee and cigarettes. This analysis is accurate, but doesn’t go deep enough. Why do we have such a drug-dependent society in the first place?
At least part of the reason is that our way of life doesn’t allow for enough joy and competence. Some of the social conditions responsible for these deficiencies came into being with the industrialization and bureaucratization of economic life in the 19th century. When Marx spoke of mankind becoming alienated from creative labor, he was isolating a major feature of what was to grow into a pervasive detachment from bedrock experience. Today we are fortunate if we are able to find work that we like, rarely can we initiate our own enterprises. We
SOC 210
Although Addiction to drugs and alcohol can be viewed as a biological and psychological problem, it has many sociological implications that suggest it may be caused by cultural structures and society as a whole. Addiction plagues millions of Americans in today’s world. By definition it is the continued repetition of a behavior despite adverse consequences, or a neurological impairment leading to such behaviors (Lindesmith, 1938). Addictions can include, but are not limited to, drug abuse, exercise addiction, food addiction, sexual addiction, computer addiction and gambling. Classic hallmarks of addiction include impaired control over substances or behavior, preoccupation with substance or behavior, continued use despite consequences, and denial. Lack of creative labor, disconnectedness, and the over reliance on substances to feel “ok” are a few of the reasons addiction is a major social issue today. It has become commonplace to point out that when young people resort to marijuana and LSD they are only following the example of their elders, who lean so heavily on alcohol, medically prescribed stimulants and tranquilizers, and the daily stimulation of coffee and cigarettes. This analysis is accurate, but doesn’t go deep enough. Why do we have such a drug-dependent society in the first place?
At least part of the reason is that our way of life doesn’t allow for enough joy and competence. Some of the social conditions responsible for these deficiencies came into being with the industrialization and bureaucratization of economic life in the 19th century. When Marx spoke of mankind becoming alienated from creative labor, he was isolating a major feature of what was to grow into a pervasive detachment from bedrock experience. Today we are fortunate if we are able to find work that we like, rarely can we initiate our own enterprises. We
References: Wiklund, Lena. "Existential Aspects of Living with Addiction - Part I: Meeting Challenges." Journal of Clinical Nursing 17.18 (2008): 2426-434. Lindesmith, Alfred R. "A Sociological Theory of Drug Addiction." American Journal of Sociology 43.4 (1938). Barber, James G. "Alcohol Addiction: Private Trouble or Social Issue?" Social Service Review 68.4 (1994): 521-35.