10.0 Introduction

Chapter Introduction

Negative perspectives of substance use disorders (SUDs) (addiction) and attitudes and treatment of people experiencing problematic substance use that are based on mis-perceptions, result in people who use substances (PWUS) being treated in negative ways: as outsiders, as blameworthy, as lesser, as non-deserving, as criminal, etc. Imagine a similar scenario, but substitute in a different medical condition. Think about judging and blaming, rather than treating them with compassion and understanding, a person who requires a daily medicinal substance to avoid physical and/or psychological pain/discomfort. Consider the implications on their health of not classifying their required health services as essential during a pandemic. Sadly, these are the everyday experiences of people experiencing SUDs. This chapter explores SUDs, from common mis-perceptions, to their complex nature and the variety and type of factors that put people at risk for developing a SUD. It ends with a discussion of the importance of a wellness and compassion-based approach to substance use.

Chapter Objectives/Learning Outcomes 

After completing the chapter materials, you should have an understanding of:

  1. Common misperceptions about substances and substance use.
  2. The meaning of the term substance use disorder (SUD).
  3. The risk factors associated with an increased susceptibility for substance use issues.
  4. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people experiencing a SUD.
  5. The importance of taking a health-oriented approach to substance use and SUDs.

Questions to Think About When Completing Chapter Materials

  1. What role do misperceptions of substances, PWUS, and people who develop SUDS play in:
    • The continuation of prohibitionist drug policies?
    • Attitudes towards and treatment of PWUS and people experiencing SUDs (including health-care personnel)?
    • The development of progressive social policies, and treatment and interventions for people experiencing substance use problems?
  2. How does social isolation impact PWUS and people experiencing SUDs?
  3. How does viewing substance use disorders as a medical issue, and not as an individual choice, work to alleviate stigma associated with PWUS and individuals experiencing SUDs?
  4. What are the benefits of moving from punishment-oriented to health-oriented social policies to address substance use and problematic substance use?

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Psychoactive Substances & Society (2nd Edition) Copyright © 2024 by Jacqueline Lewis & Jillian Holland-Penney is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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