Question
What is the social-ecological model of risk factors for addiction?
Answer
The social-ecological model of risk factors for addiction provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the multifaceted influences contributing to addiction and overdose. This model recognizes multiple layers of influence, starting from the individual level and expanding outward to encompass interpersonal, community, and societal factors. At the individual level, considerations include socio-demographics, genetics, and personal histories. Interpersonal factors emphasize the role of family, peers, and social relationships. The community level examines variations in addiction rates across different communities, considering the accessibility to treatment, community norms, and local circumstances such as economic downturns. Finally, at the societal level, broader influences such as economic conditions, media portrayal, and government policies play pivotal roles. Addressing addiction requires a holistic approach that considers these intertwined and overlapping factors rather than isolating any single one.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, The Opioid Crisis: A Sociological Perspective, presented by Sophie Nathenson, PhD.
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