Policy Analysis for Change

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Grand Canyon University *

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Sociology

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Feb 20, 2024

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Policy Analysis for Change What is the social problem? Substance misuse has been a public health concern throughout history. Substance use disorders can lead to a variety of social and familial problems. The user, their family, and society may all be impacted by these issues (Lo, T. W., Yeung, J. W. K., & Tam, C. H. L.,2020). What are definitions of the problem? Who defines this as a problem? Who disagrees? Substance abuse prevention involves strategies and policies to reduce substance abuse, addiction, and related problems. Treatment includes services like medical interventions, counseling, behavioral therapies, support groups, and rehabilitation programs. The goal is to help individuals overcome dependency, manage withdrawal symptoms, address addiction issues, and support recovery. Various organizations and agencies that specialize in healthcare, mental health, addiction, and public health, such the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), often develop the definition and guidelines for substance abuse prevention and treatment. SAMHSA offers resources and leadership for behavioral health services, including the treatment and prevention of substance abuse. It provides recommendations, programs for treating substance abuse, and evidence-based treatments. Liam Reilly, Brad Forenza, and Carrie Bergeson. (2019) Disagreements among healthcare professionals, policymakers, advocacy groups, and the public can arise regarding effective substance abuse treatment approaches, government funding, accessibility, equity, and allocation of funding. Some advocate universal accessibility, while others prioritize specific populations or targeted interventions. What cultural, political and economic factors shape perceptions of the problem? 1. Cultural Factors: Different cultures may have long-standing customs regarding the use of drugs or alcohol, which shapes their views on substance use. 2. Political Factors: Attitudes towards substance abuse in society can be influenced by policies about drug enforcement, Medicaid funding for treatment of substance abuse, and criminalization versus decriminalization programs. 3. Economic Factors: Poverty, unemployment, and economic inequality are examples of economic factors that could impact perceptions and rates of substance abuse. What are conflicting social values, ideologies, and beliefs about the social problem? 1. Abstinence vs. Harm Reduction: Some advocate for a strict abstinence-based approach, believing that complete cessation of substance use is the only viable goal. On the other hand, harm reduction advocates focus on minimizing the negative consequences of drug use without mandating complete abstinence. Conflicting beliefs about which approach is more effective can lead to disagreements in treatment strategies.

2. Personal Responsibility vs. Societal Support: There's a debate between those who emphasize individual responsibility in overcoming addiction and others who advocate for greater societal support, recognizing addiction as a complex health issue requiring systemic interventions beyond individual efforts. 3. Medical Model vs. Moral Model: Disagreements exist regarding whether addiction should be treated primarily as a medical condition or a moral failing. The medical model views addiction as a disease requiring medical treatment, while the moral model perceives it because of personal flaws or lack of willpower. 4. Criminalization vs. Decriminalization: Some argue for strict criminalization of substance abuse and possession, while others advocate for decriminalization, treating substance abuse more as a public health issue rather than a criminal offense. 5. Public Health vs. Individual Rights: Policies relating to involuntary commitment, mandated treatment, and limitations on personal rights in effort to fight substance abuse can give way to conflicting views on privacy and individuality. 6. Stigma vs. Compassion: Conflicting attitudes exist regarding the stigma associated with substance abuse. While some view addiction as a moral failing and stigmatize individuals struggling with it, others advocate for more compassionate approaches that emphasize understanding, support, and empathy. What are underlying causes or influences that contribute to the problem? 1. Biological Factors: Genetic predisposition and neurological factors can contribute to susceptibility to addiction. Understanding the biological mechanisms of addiction helps tailor treatment approaches. 2. Psychological Factors: Substance abuse is often compounded by mental health conditions, trauma, stress, and co-occurring. Effective treatment considers underlying psychological issues and provides appropriate therapy. 3. Social and Environmental Influences: Socioeconomic factors, peer pressure, family dynamics, and community environments play significant roles. Poverty, lack of opportunities, and exposure to substance use within social circles can influence drug abuse. 4. Access to Treatment and Support Services: Limited access to affordable and quality treatment services, including counseling, rehabilitation centers, and mental health support, can delay prevention and effective treatment. 5. Cultural Norms and Attitudes: Cultural beliefs about substance use, stigma surrounding addiction, and societal attitudes impact how individuals perceive and seek help for substance abuse issues.

6. Prescription Practices and Availability of Substances: Overprescribing of medications, availability of certain drugs, and changes in drug availability influence substance abuse rates. Tighter prescription practices and monitoring can help prevent misuse. 7. Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Traumatic experiences during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or family dysfunction, can increase the risk of substance abuse later in life. Addressing trauma through therapy is crucial in prevention and treatment. 8. Peer Influence and Social Networks: Peer pressure and social acceptance of substance use within certain groups influence individual behavior. Prevention strategies often target these social dynamics. 9. Educational and Preventive Measures: Lack of comprehensive education about the risks of substance abuse can contribute to higher rates of drug use. Implementing preventive programs in schools and communities helps raise awareness. 10. Legislative and Policy Factors: Laws and policies related to drug enforcement, healthcare funding, access to treatment, and criminal justice responses greatly impact prevention and treatment efforts. What groups are most affected by the problem? 1. Young Adults: Adolescents and young adults are particularly susceptible to substance abuse due to peer pressure, experimentation, and brain development. Early intervention and prevention efforts are crucial. 2. Low Socioeconomic Communities: Poverty, lack of resources, and limited access to healthcare often correlate with higher rates of substance abuse. These communities may face barriers in accessing quality treatment and support services. 3. LGBTQ+ Community: LGBTQ+ individuals often face unique stressors related to societal discrimination, leading to higher rates of substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Culturally competent treatment is essential for this group. 4. Veterans: Military members and veterans may experience substance abuse issues due to trauma, chronic pain, or mental health conditions such as PTSD. Tailored treatment programs for veterans are important. 5. Individuals with Co-occurring Disorders: Those dealing with mental health disorders alongside substance abuse, known as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis, require specialized treatment that addresses both conditions simultaneously. 6. Racial and Ethnic Minorities: Some racial and ethnic minority groups face disparities in access to healthcare and may experience higher rates of substance abuse due to socioeconomic factors, historical trauma, or cultural influences.

7. Women: Women can have unique challenges in seeking treatment due to gender-specific issues, such as stigma, childcare responsibilities, and limited access to gender-specific treatment programs. 8. Rural Communities: Rural areas often have limited access to healthcare and treatment facilities, leading to higher rates of substance abuse due to isolation, lack of resources, and economic challenges. Who stands to lose the most if the problem is not effectively addressed? Who gains the most from the social problem and/or maintenance of the status quo? 1. Individuals and Families: Individuals dealing with substance abuse face numerous personal obstacles, such as deteriorating physical and mental health, troubled interpersonal relationships, financial struggles, and lower living standards. Families who lost family members to addiction may experience emotional, financial, and social challenges. 2. Communities: Drug abuse can lead to increased crime rates, strained social services, decreased productivity, and a decline in community well-being. Communities may also experience higher healthcare costs and diminished economic growth. 3. Healthcare Systems: Inadequate addressing of substance abuse strains healthcare systems, leading to increased emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and healthcare expenses. The burden on healthcare providers also intensifies due to the complexity of treating substance abuse-related conditions. 4. Economy: Substance abuse affects workforce productivity due to absenteeism, decreased job performance, and increased healthcare costs for employers. Additionally, the costs associated with drug-related crimes and law enforcement efforts impact public funds and economic stability. 5. Legal and Justice Systems: Improper management of drug abuse can put a burden on the legal system, resulting in higher rates of incarceration, overcrowded prisons, and increasing demands on the resources of law enforcement. This can divert attention from addressing underlying issues and rehabilitation efforts. 6. Public Health: The spread of infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, often linked to substance abuse through needle-sharing, poses significant public health risks if not effectively addressed. Moreover, untreated substance abuse can lead to other health complications and a higher burden on healthcare systems. 7. Education and Future Generations: Substance abuse negatively impacts educational outcomes for individuals and, consequently, future generations. Children of individuals struggling with addiction may experience disrupted home environments, neglect, and reduced opportunities for educational success.

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