How Does Cultural Influence Impact Addiction?

Cultural influence means a lot of different things to different people. It encompasses ethnic backgrounds, socioeconomic status, and even peer circles. So, how do these cultural influences impact addiction? Do some cultural identities put individuals at a greater risk of becoming dependent on substances? How does culture influence our relationship with substance use? Answering these questions can help increase self-awareness and self-evaluation, both of which are necessary for a successful recovery.  

West Coast Recovery Centers is a nationally accredited drug, alcohol, and behavioral health rehabilitation facility in Southern California. We can help as you determine your recovery path, connect with community support, and begin a new life. Of course, analyzing how your cultural background has influenced where you are today can help you through this journey. Contact us to learn more and begin your treatment journey today. 

What Do We Mean by Cultural Influence?

In short, cultural influence refers to the effect of a culture's values, beliefs, or attitudes on the behavior of an individual in that culture. Culture might refer to one's ethnic background, family roles, religious beliefs, and social orientation, to name a few. Our identities are multifaceted. Cultural influences are one of many factors that influence our personality development. 

For many of us in the States, our cultural identities are heavily influenced by our family's heritage and American culture. As a melting pot, the country is chock-full of diverse cultures. Comprehending diverse cultures is critical to connecting with people and understanding how their cultures influence their lived experiences 

How Cultural Influence Shapes Values and Beliefs

As mentioned, cultural influences such as those mentioned above significantly impact us throughout our lives. We must better understand how these influence us, more specifically, how they shape our values and beliefs. For starters, cultural influences are passed done from one generation to the next. Socialization like this normalizes behaviors, whether or not they're good or bad. 

Values and beliefs are how we understand the world around us. That includes how we interpret experiences, make decisions, and behave. So, if values, beliefs, and culture all influence behavior, can they also influence addictive behaviors? 

How Does Cultural Influence Impact Addiction?

The most significant connection between culture and addiction is in terms of alcohol use disorder (AUD). According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 28.1 million adults struggled with AUD in 2023. Several factors can increase one's risk for developing AUD, including genetics, mental health conditions, and drinking at an early age. 

Culture can be just as influential on one's development of AUD. For starters, consuming alcohol is a major component of many cultures, including our cultures here in the United States. That might include tailgating at a football game, indulging in an open bar at a wedding, or toasting a new year with champagne. Where there's a social gathering or something to celebrate, alcohol is almost certainly present. 

The same goes for other cultures, too. For example, countries in Europe often have a legal drinking age of 18. We see what happens when people start drinking at a young age. So, when the law and the culture say it's okay, what's to deter them from starting to drink young? What's to stop them from experimenting with substances at a young age? 

Additionally, who we surround ourselves with also influences our habits. Culture among young adults may perpetuate early alcohol and drug use. Teens experience excitement at the thought of doing something they shouldn't. That includes underage substance use. From the excitement to wanting to have fun and peer pressure to look cool in front of their friends, this societal culture among young adults is another connection that can lead to substance use. 

Media, American Culture, and the Status Quo

We briefly mentioned how things are within our American culture. Where there's something to celebrate, there's something to drink. The media doesn't help. Movies, TV shows, social media, and other outlets all frequently share stories of teenagers drinking, clubbing, and “having a good time.” 

These cultural norms perpetuated by the media cause us to continue following the status quo. However, the status quo continually escalates problems with drugs, alcohol, and addiction. To challenge this status quo, we must understand this connection between culture and addiction, and help people achieve culturally competent addiction treatment. 

The Importance of Culturally Competent Addiction Treatment

Since we now know the importance of one's cultural identity, we also understand the need for cultural sensitivity when providing people with addiction treatment. West Coast Recovery Centers takes a lot into account when creating individualized treatment plans for our clients. We can help you or a loved one and your family navigates the complex journey of addiction treatment, considering the influence culture has had on your experiences with it. Call or visit our website to get started with your journey today. 

Many factors increase one's risk for addiction. That typically includes peer pressure, family history, starting substance use at an early age, or the presence of other mental health conditions. However, another significant factor that can lead to addiction is cultural influence. Culture encompasses many different things. It includes our ethnic heritage, socioeconomic status, religious beliefs, family roles, and social orientation. Things we experience through the lens of our culture influence how we perceive the world and behave. That includes substance use behaviors. Understanding how your culture impacts your substance use can be critical to recognizing the signs of and recovery from addiction. To begin your treatment journey, call West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509 today.