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Contemporary Social Justice Issues

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Running head: POVERTY AND SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS

Poverty and Socioeconomic Status Concerning Drug Use

Many contemporary social justice issues need addressing, especially in the social work

field. One of the most important, however, involves the connection between socioeconomic and

drug use. Since many poverty-stricken individuals often turn to drug use for several reasons, the

correlation is a significant issue that needs solutions. In understanding the common reasons for

drug use amongst the poor, social workers can better understand potential solutions and ways to

address the issue.

There is a correlation between poverty and drug use, suggesting that substance use among

those below the poverty line is far too common. Evidence suggests that urban areas' social

structure- where those below the poverty line often live- are exposed to conditions that lead to

crime, including drug crimes (Valdez, Kaplan, & Curtis, 2007). Those with financial struggles

often seek ways to cope with the poor lifestyles caused by their lack of finances, and drug use is

a common coping mechanism.

It is less likely for those who do not have financial burdens and are of a higher

socioeconomic class to use drugs as a coping mechanism to escape the copious amounts of stress

involved with these burdens. Therefore, it is less likely -though not impossible- for them to

become addicted. Those who use drugs are also more likely to suffer mentally and physically

(Aarons et al., 1999). Suffering from health problems often makes it harder for these individuals

to keep jobs and support themselves. Since drug use is a common coping mechanism, it can lead

to an even lower poverty rate for those who partake and become addicted. Those addicted often

put the substance they are using first, leading to unemployment and potential homelessness,

elementally making drug use a snowball effect.

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POVERTY AND SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS

Poverty is a huge contributing factor to many social and health issues, one of which is

extensive drug use (Berliner, 2013). This issue does not just apply to adults who live below the

poverty line, however. Socioeconomic status affects substance use and abuse among children and

teenagers as well. Daniel et al. (2009) explains that in a study on socioeconomic status

concerning drug use by youths, "there was consistent evidence to support an association between

lower childhood SES and later drug use, primarily cannabis use" (pg. 142). This evidence means

that the snowball effect of drug use among the poor begins at a young age.

A social worker's primary job is to assist those in need and improve others' lives

regarding interpersonal and social problems. Poverty and the effects of drug use are examples of

social and interpersonal issues. Therefore, it is a social worker's job to encourage solutions to

problems concerning drug use amongst the poor. Possible ways to address extended drug use

(and addiction) issues among the poor is by providing cheap -or free- ways to seek help and

guidance. Doing so will eliminate the fears that many may associate with drug-related assistance.

It is also important to encourage safe spaces among social workers, especially those with illegal

drug addictions, and therefore, participation is a criminal activity. Schools and academic

programs must discourage drug use and teach their negative effects to prevent youth from

participating in drugs.

Growing up in poverty, I have personally seen drug use among those who live in poor

areas. Many of them turned to drugs to escape their own lives and sold drugs to addicts to

enhance their income. Using drugs as a coping mechanism is a slippery slope that often leads to

job loss, and those already struggling to suffer even more than they already have.

This first-hand knowledge is why I firmly believe that social workers can assist with this issue

and find a way to prevent substance abuse from affecting poverty even further.

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Running head: POVERTY AND SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS 1 Poverty and Socioeconomic Status Concerning Drug Use Many contemporary social justice issues need addressing, especially in the social work field. One of the most important, however, involves the connection between socioeconomic and drug use. Since many poverty-stricken individuals often turn to drug use for several reasons, the correlation is a significant issue that needs solutions. In understanding the common reasons for drug use amongst the poor, social workers can better understand potential solutions and ways to address the issue. There is a correlation between poverty and drug use, suggesting that substance use among those below the poverty line is far too common. Evidence suggests that urban areas' social structure- where those below the poverty line often live- are exposed to conditions that lead to crime, including drug crimes ...
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