Addicted to Sociology

Sociology of Addiction – Beyond Individual Choice, Beneath the Stigma

Is addiction a personal failing or a social phenomenon? What role do inequality, anomie, and cultural meanings play in substance use patterns? How does labeling someone an “addict” shape their identity and recovery possibilities?

Sociology of Addiction moves beyond moralistic frameworks and individualistic explanations to examine the social structures, cultural contexts, and power relations that shape addictive behavior. We apply classical theory – from Durkheim’s anomie to Becker’s labeling theory – to contemporary questions about harm reduction, stigma, policy, and recovery as social identity transformation.

Drawing on sociology, social psychology, public health, and philosophy, we explore how poverty, racism, and structural violence intersect with substance use. We analyze the social construction of addiction itself, question punitive approaches, and advocate for dignity-centered research.

Person-first. Harm-reduction oriented. Structurally informed.
Understanding addiction requires understanding society.