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VOL. 1, ISSUE 1 (2025)
Understanding vulnerabilities that lead to substance abuse: Social, psychological, and environmental risk factors
Authors
Dr. Anjana Verma
Abstract
Substance abuse remains a pervasive public health
challenge with multifaceted origins. This study explores the complex interplay
of social, psychological, and environmental vulnerabilities that increase the
risk of substance abuse. The objective is to identify key risk factors that
contribute to the onset and progression of substance use disorders, thereby
informing more targeted prevention and intervention strategies. A mixed-methods
approach was employed, combining quantitative data from epidemiological surveys
with qualitative insights from in-depth interviews of affected individuals and
healthcare providers. Findings reveal that social factors such as peer
pressure, family dysfunction, and socioeconomic disadvantage significantly
heighten susceptibility. Psychological vulnerabilities, including trauma,
mental health disorders, and low self-esteem, were strongly associated with
substance use initiation and continuation. Additionally, environmental
influences such as neighborhood safety, accessibility of substances, and
community norms further exacerbate risk. The study concludes that addressing
substance abuse requires a holistic framework that integrates social support
systems, mental health services, and community-level interventions. These
findings underscore the necessity for policymakers and practitioners to
consider the multifactorial nature of vulnerabilities to effectively curb
substance abuse and promote resilience within at-risk populations.
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Pages:1-7
How to cite this article:
Dr. Anjana Verma "Understanding vulnerabilities that lead to substance abuse: Social, psychological, and environmental risk factors". International Journal of Advanced Education
, Vol 1, Issue 1, 2025, Pages 1-7
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