Other Explanations For Substance Misuse

Question 1

Social approach?

Answer 1

The social approach emphasises social influences such as peer groups and family members as explanations for why individuals engage in substance misuse. This approach also recognises group membership and other wider cultural influences.

Question 2

Cognitive approach?

Answer 2

The cognitive approach generally sees addictive behaviour as irrational or faulty thinking patterns. For example many smokers mention stress relief as a major reason why they persist with their habit. However, smokers report higher levels of stress than non-smokers, and their levels of stress actually decrease when they stop smoking. When they relapse and start smoking again, their stress levels increase again.

Question 3

Psychodynamic Approach?

Answer 3

The psychodynamic approach has attempted to explain why some people engage in substance misuse. For example, according to the psychodynamic approach, alcoholism is generally seen as a symptom of emotional conflict - in particular anxiety)

Question 4

How does psychodynamic suggest that dependency needs causes substance misuse?

Answer 4

people vulnerable to substance abuse have powerful dependency needs that can be traced to their early years. When parents fail to satisfy a young child’s need for nurturance, the child may grow up depending excessively on others for comfort. If this search for outside support includes experimentation with a drug, the person may well develop a dependent relationship with the drug which then leads to substance abuse.

Question 5

How does psychodynamic suggest that a personality causes substance misuse?

Answer 5

Another psychodynamic argument is that certain people respond to their early deprivations by developing a substance abuse personality that leaves them particularly prone to drug abuse. These people tend to be more dependent, antisocial, impulsive, novelty-seeking, and depressive than other people.