Let's Give It a Name
Imagine a triangle of disconnect between three groups: 1) individuals who use substances, 2) the professionals who work with them, and 3) society at large.
For individuals using substances, these gaps leads to feelings of judgment and isolation, while professionals, constrained by outdated or incomplete models, may miss the deeper motivations behind substance use. Society, meanwhile, reinforces stigma through stereotypes and policies not only hinder recovery, but it actively pushes people into worse conditions that make substance use worse.
It Doesn’t Have To Be Imaginary
Let's organize the chaos into a framework.
At the center of it all are the people who use substances; but, maybe we know less than we think about why people use substances.
In the next level, we have professionals who study and treat these individuals; but, maybe we know less than we think about how to care for people who use substance use.
Above it all, we have society who set up and reinforce systems consisting of resources and responses; but, maybe we know less than we think about why these systems often make substance use worse.
So How Do We Do This?
Let's unfold these layers into a plan, phases, each building on the last.
Phase I: We must go back to the people and hear what they have to say.
Phase II: We must take this knowledge to develop better strategies to tackle their problems.
Phase III: We must use this knowledge and these strategies to change systems of oppression into systems of growth.
So good so far? Let's break this plan down.
Substance Use Serves a Very Important Function
I introduce a concept called Substance-Induced Emotion Regulation, which suggests that people use substances to change their emotional states to help them do something better (e.g., drinking to be more sociable)
People Really Enjoy Using Substances
I developed the Enthusiastic Substance Use Attitudes Scale (ESUAS) to capture positive views on substance use benefits, like socializing and relaxation, for a more understanding and less stigmatizing perspective.
People Accurately Know The Addiction Risk
People Accurately Know The Addiction Risk
I introduce a concept called perceived addiction potential, which is how likely someone thinks they are to develop an addiction. I showed that people’s self-assessed risk aligns with their actual risk factors, challenging the assumption that people underestimate their SUD risk.
We Can Focus on Treatment Strategies Beyond Abstinence
I demonstrated that there may be alternative approach to treating cannabis use disorder that do not involve abstinence, such as reducing cravings and use. I also demonstrate that men benefit more from craving reduction and women respond better when addressing depression.
We Can Focus On The Growth Potential Despite Use
I argued that substance use treatments should incorporate positive psychology, which focuses on enhancing life satisfaction, to address addiction more effectively.
Substances Use May Lead to Short-Term Well-Being
Substances Use May Lead to Short-Term Well-Being
I introduced a new perspective using positive psychology to understand why people turn to substances, suggesting that they may help people fulfill basic needs for happiness, like joy, engagement, and connection.
Removing Stigmatizing Language Reduces Stigma WIthout Affecting Measurement Accuracy
I found that removing stigmatizing language from self-report measures (like at the doctor's office) didn’t change the tool’s accuracy but did lower participants' stigmatizing beliefs, especially among those without a history of substance use.
The War On Drugs Has Negatively Affected Research
I argued that the War on Drugs has biased substance use research to overemphasize harm and ignore potential benefits of substances. I call on researchers to approach research with less bias - exploring risks and benefits.
Did You Hear About the Cannabis Contriversey in Ohio?
Did You Hear About the Cannabis Contriversey in Ohio?
I analyzed Ohio's cannabis legalization struggle and present five strategies I think lead to successful policy change, which were ongoing advocacy, strong coalitions, empowering grassroots movements, data-driven research, and public education.