Theories of Drug Use 2: Psychological (Self-Derogation)

Self Derogation Theory

• Def: substance abuse is pathological and the result of self-rejection and lack of self-esteem

• The pattern

  • 1. Social behaviors done to maximize experiences to positive self-esteem & minimize experiences damaging self-esteem

  • 2. "Deviant" behaviors will develop for those who can't develop positive self image with others

  • 3. "Deviant" behaviors used to seek affirmations and self-esteem if not rewarded for "conventional behaviors"

Social Learning Theory

• Def substance defined by an individual as desirable or justifiable depends on behavior of those whom the individual values (ex. Church, parents, peer groups, teachers, authority figures)

• whether the effects of the drug are enjoyable is somewhat dependent on learning processes

  • ex. Howard Becker, Outsider (1963) on marihuana

    • smokers didn’t automatically feel high bc they first needed to learn to perceive the effect of the drug

Subcultural Learning Theories

• a sociological theory

• Def: group w/ similar patterns of norms & values in some distinct norms

• subculture: groups of people who hold pattens of norms and values that are in some way distinct from the norms and values held by their broader social context

• similar to learning theories, except primary reference group ate the members of subculture

• Ex. Faupel 1991, on heroin in Delaware

  • members on heroin subculture developed skills in a wide variety of criminal offenses designed to generate the money necessary to support the habit (robbery, forgery, etc)

  • members of subculture passed on these social skills to other members

  • subcultures adopted sense of “proper” use of heroin

  • normative codes within subcultures

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