A Social-Spatial Lens to Examine Poverty, Violence, and Addiction. Issue 1 (2nd April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Matto, Holly C.; Cleaveland, Carol L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of social work practice in the addictions. Volume 16:Issue 1/2(2016)
• Page Start: 7
• Page End: 23
• Publication Date: 2016-04-02
• Subjects: addiction -- poverty -- recovery identity -- social-space -- violence; Social work with drug addicts -- Periodicals; Social work with alcoholics -- Periodicals; Drug abuse -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Drug abuse counseling -- Periodicals; 362.29
• DOI: 10.1080/1533256X.2016.1165113
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1533-256X

Abstract

Abstract : Although the associations among interpersonal- and community-level violence and substance use have been well-studied, the mechanisms of change that underlie each have not garnered the same level of attention. We offer an analysis that views both violence and addiction as the inevitable by-products of inequitably constructed social spaces, where poverty is a powerful structural force that erodes relational stability and undermines community health. Principles from the substance abuse recovery self-help and mutual aid group movements can be used to increase collective efficacy and strengthen social capital that enhances recovery commitment and decreases interpersonal and community violence.