The reasons why someone uses substances are complex, intertwined, and unique to their situation. Substance use related issues, including addiction are the result of many complicated factors referred to as the social determinants of health.
| What are the determinants of health? |
| Many factors can influence a person’s health and wellness. In addition to our individual genetics and lifestyle choices, where we are born, grow, live, work, and age also affect our overall wellness and can impact how and why substances are used.
The social determinants of health are a broad range of factors that influence individual and population health. They include:
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| How do the social determinants of health affect substance use? |
| The social determinants of health can act as protective factors against or risk factors for substance use related issues, including addiction. For example, being connected to a positive and reliable community of support has been identified as a protective factor against substance use related issues. On the other hand, communities lacking structures and facilities required for health and wellbeing, such as health and social services and recreational activities, put people at higher risk for a substance use related issue.
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| How can we address the social determinants of health? |
| As a community, we can address the social determinants of health by ensuring that everyone obtains what they need to reach their full health potential, no matter where they live, what they have, or who they are. This is referred to as ‘health equity’, where we recognize that some people may need more or different services and supports than others in order to be healthy.
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| I want to learn more about the social determinants of health. What resources do you recommend? |
Check out the following resources for more information on the social determinants of health.
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