Social Work - Ch.8

Drug

Any substance that chemically alters the function or structure of a body of an animal or person.

Substance Use Disorder

the regular or excessive use of a substance when, as defined by a group, the consequences endanger relationships with other people, are detrimental to the user’s health, or jeopardize society itself

Anomie (deviant) Theory

A theory by Emile Durkheim and Robert Merton stating that people may resort to deviant actions, like substance use, to achieve their goals when they cannot succeed through conventional means.

Labeling Theory

People may use substances secretly, after some time, they may be caught by family members or police. Then, they may be labeled as a “pothead” or “drunk”. Subsequently, they are more watched, and if they’re found again, the label is more confirmed to people.

Differential Association

Edwin Sutherland determined behavior is determined primarily by the values and actions that are considered important by the small, intimate groups one interacts with (peer pressure)

• groups include family, neighborhood peer groups, religious groups, and social groups

Drug subculture

A group of peers who advocates the use of one or more drugs