Socioeconomic and psychosocial determinants of substance misuse – a national perspective

AbstractAccurate estimates of population drug use and an understanding of the factors that influence substance choice are essential for the development of appropriate and targeted prevention strategies and campaigns. This review aims to provide an overview of the socioeconomic and psychosocial factors that influence substance use patterns within the Australian population through exploration of current and historical examples of substance misuse. Australia ’s comparatively large online drug market is reflective of the country’s relative geographic isolation and high local drug prices. Legislation, particularly relating to cannabis cultivation and personal use, has evolved significantly in response to increased scientific and commercial application s and changing attitudes towards medical and personal use. Methylamphetamine use is disproportionately high, attributed to Australia’s geographic location, high rates of local manufacture, steady cost, and increased purity. Despite the increased cost of cocaine over time, the profile of users appe ars to dictate rates of use. The prevalence of injecting drug use is driven by a lack of education, perceived risk, stigma, and other social factors. Additionally, psychosocial factors also contribute to substance misuse among specific population subgroups such as petrol sniffing among Indigenous Au stralians. Understanding the reasons for geographical variability in illicit drug use assists in the interpretation of substance-associat...
Source: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology - Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research