No two recovery journeys are ever the same. Each and every individual’s path to recovery is uniquely different. Unfortunately, many people underestimate the impact of social determinants on addiction and recovery. While addiction does not discriminate, factors like whether you have a strong supportive community behind you or your access to healthcare (or lack thereof) are all important social determinants that can influence one’s addiction and recovery journey. Keep reading to learn more about the impact of social determinants on addiction.
Hammocks on the Edisto is a women’s drug rehab in South Carolina that’s committed to providing women struggling with addiction the help they need to regain control of their lives. It’s time to break free of your addiction once and for all. Our women’s substance abuse treatment programs offer various treatment options to best support your road to recovery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you overcome addiction.
5 Social Determinants That Impact Addiction and Recovery
Social determinants, such as one’s socioeconomic status, education, and access to affordable healthcare are all variables that can impact how you grew up and live today. These factors can also impact your addiction as well as your ability to seek treatment and progress along your road to recovery. Keep reading to learn more about how the impact of social determinants of addiction and recovery can influence your perspective of your own addiction recovery journey.
- Education
Education surrounding addiction prevention and the dangers of abusing drugs or alcohol is the first social determinant that can impact your addiction and recovery journey. Your access to education about the dangers of certain drugs or alcohol can impact your risk of developing an addiction. Oftentimes, with higher levels of education, especially surrounding addiction prevention and the risk of drugs, comes a lower risk of substance abuse.
- Socioeconomic Status
Next, an individual’s socioeconomic status can also play a role in one’s risk of not only developing an addiction but also how accessible treatment is to them. Research suggests that poverty may be associated with an increased risk of substance abuse. Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds face increased stressors and challenges from limited resources for basic necessities (food, safe and stable housing, reliable transportation, etc.) to a lack of access to affordable healthcare. Unfortunately, increased exposure to stressors, especially when it comes to basic life necessities, can make some people turn to drugs to cope with these financial challenges.
- Community
Community is another social determinant of addiction and recovery. Have you ever heard the saying you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with? This saying can apply to virtually all areas of your life for better or for worse. If you grew up and are currently around friends, family members, or peers who abuse drugs or alcohol, this increases your risk and exposure to abusing drugs or alcohol.
- Physical Location
The physical location or neighborhood you live in and grew up in can also play a role in your addiction and recovery journey. Unfortunately, individuals who live in an unsafe area that experiences high crime rates and have increased access to drugs or alcohol have an increased risk of abusing drugs.
- Access to Affordable Healthcare
Finally, access to affordable healthcare and addiction treatment is another social determinant of addiction and recovery that cannot be ignored. Many individuals who have limited access to affordable healthcare will feel limited in their means to receive quality addiction treatment. This can prevent many people who are struggling with addiction from seeking the professional care they need to safely and effectively overcome addiction.
Leading Women’s Addiction Treatment in South Carolina
Many factors impact your addiction recovery story. Although addiction recovery involves many ups and downs, it’s essential to understand that you don’t have to progress along your road to recovery all on your own. If you are struggling with addiction, it’s critical you seek professional support to regain control of your life. Hammocks on the Edisto is a top-rated women’s drug rehab in South Carolina that’s helped many women overcome addiction and achieve long-lasting sobriety. Contact us today to learn more about how our South Carolina addiction therapies can help you find your path to healing.
