Understanding how socioeconomic status affects substance abuse can help us find better ways to assist people. This guide will explore what socioeconomic status is, how substance abuse and socioeconomic status are linked, what we can do to make things better, and how you can get effective treatment.
If you need help in a crisis, call 866.330.9449.
What Is Socioeconomic Status? Components and Its Impact on Life
Socioeconomic status is a measure of a person’s social and economic position in society. It includes three main components: income, education, and occupation.
- Income: People with higher incomes can afford better housing, healthcare, and education. They can also buy healthier food and have more opportunities for fun activities. On the other hand, people with lower incomes might struggle to pay for basic needs like food, rent, and medical care.
- Education: People with more education often have better job opportunities and can earn more money. They also tend to be healthier because they know more about how to take care of themselves. People with less education might have fewer job choices and earn less money, which can make life harder.
- Occupation: Some jobs pay more and offer better benefits, like health insurance and retirement plans. These jobs can provide a stable and comfortable life. Other jobs might pay less, have fewer benefits, and be less secure. People in lower-paying jobs might work longer hours and have less time for family and hobbies.
Socioeconomic status affects almost every part of a person’s life. People with higher socioeconomic status usually have better health, live longer, and enjoy more opportunities. They have access to good schools, safe neighborhoods, and quality healthcare. People with lower socioeconomic status, by contrast, often face more challenges. They might live in unsafe areas, have less access to good schools and healthcare, and experience more stress. This can affect their overall well-being and quality of life.
How Is Substance Abuse Defined?
Substance abuse is when someone uses drugs or alcohol in a way that is harmful to themselves or others. This can mean drinking too much alcohol, using illegal drugs, or misusing prescription medications. When people abuse substances, they may have trouble at work, school, or home. They might also put themselves in dangerous situations, like driving while drunk.
When substance abuse becomes more serious and starts to affect a person’s daily life, it can turn into addiction, also called substance use disorder. Addiction means that a person cannot stop using the substance even though it is causing problems in their life.
According to DSM-5-TR, which is a guide doctors use to diagnose mental health conditions, substance use disorder can be mild, moderate, or severe:
- Mild: A person shows 2 to 3 symptoms from a list of problems related to substance use.
- Moderate: A person shows 4 to 5 symptoms from the list.
- Severe: A person shows 6 or more symptoms from the list.
Some symptoms include:
- Craving the substance
- Not being able to stop using it
- Using it in larger amounts or for longer than planned
- Spending a lot of time trying to get, use, or recover from using the substance
- Giving up important activities because of substance use
Understanding substance abuse and recognizing when it turns into addiction can help you get the right help and support.
Is There a Link Between Low Socioeconomic Status and Substance Abuse?
Sadly, those of low socioeconomic status are at increased risk of substance use disorder. Poverty can bring many challenges, like not having enough money for basic needs, lack of access to healthcare, judgment from others, and living in unsafe neighborhoods. These challenges can make it more likely for someone to turn to drugs and alcohol.
Opioid addiction and socioeconomic status
Although opioid overdoses have decreased in the U.S., over 85,000 people died from overdosing on opioids in 2023. The misuse of illegal opioids, like heroin, and prescription opioids is often highest among people living in poverty, especially in regions like Appalachia.
People on Medicaid are more likely to be prescribed opioids, receive higher doses, and take them for longer periods. This increases their risk of addiction. Unfortunately, those in this socioeconomic group often have less access to proper addiction treatment. Middle-aged white Americans with less education, who experience poverty and financial stress, have higher death rates related to substance use. Black Americans and other communities facing high poverty also experience higher levels of opioid and polysubstance use.
Alcohol abuse and socioeconomic status
Income level can impact how and why people use alcohol. It’s often assumed that people in poorer neighborhoods are more likely to misuse alcohol due to financial stress, lack of education about substance misuse, and not enough resources for treatment. Alcohol abuse has become a public health crisis among the socioeconomically disadvantaged. For men, one study shows a lower socioeconomic status can increase alcohol-related deaths by 66%, and for women, by 78%.
Interestingly, alcohol use is also common in higher-income groups. About 80% of upper-income people report drinking alcohol, compared to 50% of lower-income people. Among those with an income of $75,000 or more, 78% reported drinking, while only 45% of those earning $30,000 or less reported the same. College graduates are more likely to drink than those with just a high school education.
Among American teens, heavy alcohol use is more common in families with higher income and education. Teens from these families are more likely to engage in heavy drinking than those from lower-income families.
However, adults from lower-income backgrounds are more likely to binge drink (five or more drinks in one sitting) than those from higher-income groups, who tend to drink socially or lightly. Working-class individuals are more likely to engage in heavy drinking but are also more likely to abstain completely than white-collar workers.
What Factors Contribute to Substance Abuse for Individuals in a Lower Socioeconomic Status?
People of lower socioeconomic status face many challenges that can lead to substance abuse. Here are some of the main factors:
Financial stress
Not having enough money to cover basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare can cause a lot of stress. People might turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their worries and stress.
Lack of access to healthcare
When people can’t afford healthcare, they may not get the help they need for physical and mental health issues. Without proper treatment, some may use substances to try to feel better.
Education and awareness
Lower socioeconomic status often means less access to education about the dangers of drug and alcohol use. Without this knowledge, people might not understand the risks of substance abuse or how to seek help.
Living in unsafe neighborhoods
People in lower socioeconomic status may live in areas with more crime and violence. This can lead to more exposure to drugs and alcohol and increase the likelihood of using them.
Unemployment or low-paying jobs
Having no job or a low-paying job can make people feel hopeless and stressed. This can push some people to use substances as a way to escape their problems.
Social environment
If a person’s friends or family members use drugs or alcohol, they are more likely to do the same. Peer pressure and trying to fit in can strongly influence someone’s decision to use substances.
Mental health issues
Depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems are more common in lower socioeconomic status groups due to the many stresses they face. People might use drugs or alcohol to try to cope with these feelings.
Limited access to treatment
People in lower socioeconomic status often have fewer options for getting help with substance abuse. They may not have insurance or money to pay for treatment programs.
Judgment and stigma
People from lower socioeconomic status backgrounds might face judgment or stigma when seeking help for substance abuse. This can discourage them from reaching out for the support they need.
Understanding these factors can help us find better ways to support people in lower socioeconomic status and prevent substance abuse. Providing more resources, education, and access to healthcare can make a big difference.
Interventions, Treatments, & Solutions of Substance Abuse Within Low Socioeconomic Status Communities
Helping people in low socioeconomic status communities overcome substance abuse involves many different strategies.
Affordable treatment programs
Creating affordable or free treatment programs can help people who can’t afford expensive rehab centers. These programs can include counseling, medical detox, and support groups.
Community outreach
Community centers and local organizations can offer support and education about substance abuse. They can provide safe spaces for people to talk about their struggles and get help.
Access to healthcare
Improving access to healthcare is vitall. Clinics and health centers in low socioeconomic status areas can offer screenings for substance abuse and mental health issues. They can also provide treatment and follow-up care.
Education and prevention programs
Schools and community groups can run education programs to teach kids and adults about the dangers of substance abuse. These programs can also teach coping skills to deal with stress and peer pressure.
Job training and employment support
Helping people get better jobs can reduce the financial stress that leads to substance abuse. Job training programs can teach new skills and help people find stable employment.
Support groups
Support groups like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or NA (Narcotics Anonymous) can provide a sense of community and support. These groups offer regular meetings where people can share their experiences and support each other.
Mental health services
Offering mental health services can address issues like depression and anxiety that often lead to substance abuse. Therapy and counseling can help people understand their problems and find healthier ways to cope.
Housing assistance
Stable housing can reduce stress and provide a safe environment for recovery. Programs that help people find affordable housing can support their journey to sobriety.
Peer support
Peer support workers who have experienced substance abuse themselves can offer valuable guidance and encouragement. They can relate to the struggles of others and provide hope and practical advice.
Family support programs
Helping families understand substance abuse and how to support their loved ones can make a big difference. Family therapy and education can strengthen family bonds and create a supportive home environment.
Policy changes
Advocating for policy changes can help improve the lives of people in low socioeconomic status communities. Policies that increase funding for mental health and substance abuse programs, provide better access to healthcare, and create more job opportunities can reduce the risk of substance abuse.
By using these strategies, we can make a positive impact on substance abuse in low socioeconomic status communities. Providing resources, education, and support can help people overcome their struggles and lead healthier, happier lives.
Get Insurance-Covered, Compassionate Substance Abuse Treatment at Renaissance Recovery
If you need addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one, we treat people from all walks of life at Renaissance Recovery in Florida and California. Addiction does not discriminate, and we offer compassionate and effective treatments for all types of addictions and mental health issues at our luxury rehabs.
We can help you find medical detox centers across California and Florida if you need help with drug or alcohol withdrawal. You can then move into an outpatient treatment program at Renaissance.
All addictions and mental health issues are different, so we offer personalized therapies, such as:
- Talk therapy (CBT or DBT)
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Group therapy
- Counseling
- Family therapy
- Holistic treatments
- Aftercare
Begin your journey to recovery today by calling our friendly recovery team at 866.330.9449.
