Social Approach To Alcohol Dependence

Alcohol dependence is a substance related disorder in which an individual is physically or psychologically dependent upon drinking alcohol. There are many reasons for why people develop alcohol abuse disorder and they can be explained through biological, psychological and social approaches to explain this complex disorder. Biological evidence shows us that certain people are more genetically vulnerable to drug abuse according to researchers conducting twin, family, and adoption studies. It is also said that genetic risk factors cut across all mood altering drugs. The role of the environment and the role of genetics is also examined when looking at substance use, abuse, and dependence. Genetic factors may also affect how certain people experience …show more content…
It is viewed first through positive reinforcement which shows us that feelings that result from using psychoactive substances is very pleasurable, people continue to take the drugs to recapture the pleasure. Many drugs that are used and abused by humans are also pleasurable to animals. In many experiments lab animals will work to have their bodies injected with drugs which shows that even without social and cultural influences these drugs are pleasurable. Positive reinforcement in the use and situations surrounding the use of drugs contribute to whether or not people decide to try to continue using drugs. The other side of this approach is viewed through negative reinforcement which shows us that many people are likely to initiate and continue drug use to escape unpleasantness in their lives. Drugs often provide an escape from pain, stress, and panic/anxiety. Substance use often becomes a way for users to cope with unpleasant feelings. People who experience other types of trauma tend to abuse alcohol more as well. The observations emphasize the role played by abuse and dependence, which determines who will and won’t have difficulties with substances. Lastly, there is a Social approach as well which tells us that exposure to psychoactive substances is a prerequisite to their use and possible abuse in the future. Media exposure is also said to be more influential than peer pressure when it comes to substances and alcohol. It is also said that drug addicted parents who spend less time monitoring their children than parents without drug problems and that is a contribution to early adolescent substance use. But on the flipside, parents who do not provide supervision, their children tend to develop friendships with peers who support drug abuse. In the moral weakness model of chemical dependence it states that drug use is seen as a failure of self-control in the face of