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?
The social determinants of health are a broad range of factors that influence individual and population health. They include:
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.
While the determinants of health influence how and why substances are used, the causes of use, particularly addiction, are complex and unique to each individual.
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.
At the individual level, this requires our practitioners to focus on client-centered and person-directed counselling, education, and clinical interventions. At the community level, this requires addressing the determinants that are proven to have the greatest impact on health. There are actions that we can do to address these factors, such as supporting a basic income, creating community-wide substance use strategies, advocating for more health and social services within our communities, and influencing local policies related to substance use.
I want to learn more about the social determinants of health. What resources do you recommend?
