The role of social networks in recovery from alcohol and drug abuse

摘要

Social capital, in general, and social networks, in particular, have long been noted to be important predictors of health and well-being. The preponderance of evidence suggests that individuals who are actively involved in their communities and socially engaged with others have been found to live longer, to be healthier, and to experience less psychological distress (1-3). Social factors, including social network characteristics, are also known to be associated with alcohol and drug abuse (4,5). More recently, it has been posited that these factors may influence recovery from substance abuse by facilitating entry into treatment and by promoting ongoing sobriety (6-9). Understanding the role that social networks play in the genesis of substance abuse could lead to the development of prevention and intervention strategies geared toward reducing the tremendous burden of addiction; understanding the role that social networks play in promoting sobriety could lead to the development of strategies to support long-term recovery from addiction over the life span.