Historique
Chapitre
A sociological theory of drug addiction
Auteur(s) :
LINDESMITH, A. R.
Année
2010
Page(s) :
28-40
Langue(s) :
Anglais
ISBN :
978-0-19-973929-5
Refs biblio. :
27
Domaine :
Drogues illicites / Illicit drugs
Note générale :
Reprinted from A.R. Lindesmith, "A Sociological Theory of Drug Addiction." In: American Journal of Sociology, 1938;43, p.593-613.
Résumé :
Various theories have been developed to explain drug use and addiction. Current explanations are grounded in the sociological, psychological, or biological sciences. Some theories are interdisciplinary in that they seek to combine two or more of these perspectives. Regardless of where they originate, theories of addiction are important in that they contribute to our understanding of the causal factors that lead to drug dependence. If we are able to identify the causal processes, we are in a better position to develop social policies and treatment initiatives that can serve addicts more effectively.
In this essay, dating back to 1938, the late Alfred R. Lindesmith criticizes the psychiatric explanation of opiate addiction. Psychiatrists, he argues, attach moral labels (e.g., "psychopaths") to addicts and assume that the continued use of opiates results from the addict's need to "escape from life." Although Lindesmith recognizes that users experience euphoria during their early stages of narcotics use, he disagrees with psychiatrists' assertions that the continuous use of opiate drugs is always for the sake of a "high." His sociological theory assumes that opiate addiction results from the conscious awareness that continued drug use is necessary to eliminate or prevent the pain associated with opiate withdrawal. Addicts do not use opiates to escape from life; rather, they do so to avoid withdrawal.
In this essay, dating back to 1938, the late Alfred R. Lindesmith criticizes the psychiatric explanation of opiate addiction. Psychiatrists, he argues, attach moral labels (e.g., "psychopaths") to addicts and assume that the continued use of opiates results from the addict's need to "escape from life." Although Lindesmith recognizes that users experience euphoria during their early stages of narcotics use, he disagrees with psychiatrists' assertions that the continuous use of opiate drugs is always for the sake of a "high." His sociological theory assumes that opiate addiction results from the conscious awareness that continued drug use is necessary to eliminate or prevent the pain associated with opiate withdrawal. Addicts do not use opiates to escape from life; rather, they do so to avoid withdrawal.
Cote :
L00464-C