Poverty and Drug Usage

Many factors can affect someone's risk of developing an addiction. Addiction doesn't affect just one kind of person, yet certain social and economic situations can exacerbate the risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD). It is important to note the connections that the environment someone lives in can play a role in their experience. For instance, drug use is more common in communities that struggle with poverty. This is because of the trauma of poverty as well as greater access to substances. This may grow a connection between poverty and drug use for different people. 

West Coast Recovery Centers believes that viewing the whole person and their circumstances will give our clients the best chance of success. If someone is exposed to drugs or experiences trauma, they may be more likely to abuse substances. While poverty is a complex socioeconomic issue that can't be remedied with treatment, it is essential to note that resources are available to you. Working with your providers will allow you to get in touch with the things that will make a difference in your situation. Treatment can connect you to different financial and vocational resources that will help you manage your addiction and life together. It is essential not to feel shame for your situation but to know that help is available and accessible. 

Poverty and Drug Use

Studies by the journal Addiction. show that being exposed to poverty and drug use throughout the early stages of life puts people at a higher risk of developing substance abuse issues later in life. This is because poverty creates difficulties in someone's life as well as exposes them to different unsafe situations. Communities that struggle with poverty may also have higher rates of criminal activity. This can lead to people being exposed to different unsafe situations. 

When someone is exposed to substances or people who use them, they may be more likely to try them themselves. They may find themselves pressured by peers to engage in substance use. Social pressure may make it hard to say no to using substances. Someone exposed to poverty and drug use may be more likely to try substances in their life. Trying substances once can quickly spiral out of control if someone begins to use substances to cope with issues they may be experiencing. 

Poverty and Trauma

An article published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) states, "One of the mechanisms through which poverty affects the health and well-being of children and adults is through the toxic effects of stress on the brain." Stress can affect the way that children's brains form, and how people respond to different situations. The more stress someone experiences, the more it can affect how their brain processes different situations.

Going through poverty is traumatic for many people. People who struggle with access to food, clean clothing, or housing, may have trauma from this situation. Feeling safe and having access to a standard of living creates stability for people. When this is not there, trauma can be a result. As someone experiences trauma, it often makes them want to find a way to escape. Substances are an effective way to numb pain and escape from thoughts.

Over time, addiction can exacerbate the issues of trauma and stress. Substances will add to the problem and can cause issues with maintaining work or access to housing. Drug use can distract someone from their responsibilities and cause mental and physical health risks. As addiction spirals out of control, it is vital to seek treatment to help you work through your underlying stressors and establish sobriety.

Treatment and Resources

Getting treatment is overwhelming for anyone. If you struggle with poverty, you may feel stress or stigma attached to getting treatment. Treatment is for everyone and can be personalized to meet any client's needs. West Coast Recovery Centers offer many different forms of treatment options for our clients. We can cater your treatment plan to work best with your schedule and life. If you are able, going to an intensive outpatient program will allow you to maintain work or schooling while still getting treatment. 

Treatment will address the underlying issues, and help you to work through your trauma or mental health symptoms. It can also connect you with the resources that will help to get you back on track. If addiction has caused you to struggle with maintaining work, we can offer vocational counseling and meetings to help you find a job that works with your life. We can also connect you to caseworkers who will help you find housing, access to food, or other essential resources.

Treatment will not only help you get sober but also get your life back under control. While struggling with poverty does not mean that you will experience substance abuse, it is important to find a treatment facility that understands your personalized experience. Poverty is a trauma that can't be fixed by treatment. Treatment instead gives you the skills you need to work through it and live as healthy as possible. 

While it is not a guarantee that someone who is experiencing poverty will struggle with drug use, it is important to understand the connections that exist between poverty and addiction. Communities that are burdened by poverty may experience higher levels of drug use and crime. The trauma that is associated with poverty, as well as the access to substances, can lead individuals to use drugs to self-medicate. Getting treatment is important to work through addiction. While treatment will not undo poverty, it can give you the skills to live healthier. If you are interested in pursuing recovery treatment, we can help. Call West Coast Recovery Centers today at (760) 492-6509.