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To what degree does the perception of substance use as a crime versus an illness affect policy designed to reduce substance use?
I believe that the perception of substance use as a crime versus an illness has a major impact on policies that are designed to reduce substance use. When looking at substance use as a crime, the policies focus more on punishment versus resources. In turn, the stress and burden of the legal system can cause increasing urges to use substances in order to cope. The same may be true of someone entering not a treatment center for help, however, they are given therapy and resources to help them learn how to cope without their substance dependence. If more policies were instilled regarding access to treatment resources, I believe many more people would benefit from that versus being thrown around in the legal system.
To what degree do perceptions of mental health and substance abuse affect treatment services?
According to the World Psychiatry Journal, “…reducing the world’s drug problems cannot be achieved without addressing substance use disorders with the same scientific rigor, compassion, and commitment that other physical and mental health problems are addressed (Volkow et al, 2019).” I think that this statement highlights the fact that mental health and substance abuse disorders need to all be taken just as serious as any other illness or disorder of the human body. This would allow more people to be open to receiving treatment and not being as concerned with the perceptions of others. For example. if someone receives physical therapy for a back injury, they are often met with kindness and concern from others. However, that cannot be said in some circumstances with those that are in therapy for their mental health or substance use issues. The shame and guilt that may surround them can be a major barrier to them receiving treatment services. This is what it is important to educate others about these struggles and the reality behind them.
How do perceptions of vulnerable and disenfranchised populations affect the choice to treat or incarcerate individual with mental health or substance use issues?
There can be a heavy impact on the treatment of incarcerated individuals with mental health or substance use issues when it come to the perceptions of those that are vulnerable and disenfranchised. These populations may face more negative discrimination than others when it comes to substance use and/or mental health issues. For example, people may say a white person was just “successful and coping” and “needs help” versus someone in a marginalized group that may be said to be “lazy and unmotivated.”
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- To what degree does the perception of substance use as a crime versus an illness affect policy designed to reduce substance use?
Perception of substance use as a crime versus an illness can have a significant impact on policy approaches aimed at reducing substance use. When viewed as a crime, substance use policies tend to prioritize law enforcement measures such as the incarceration of individuals who use or deal drugs (Popple & Leighninger, 2019). This approach often leads to imprisonment without addressing the problems driving the substance use, leading to further use and trouble once released. When substance use is seen as an illness, policies are more likely to focus on public health interventions, such as therapy and community development programs (Popple & Leighninger, 2019). These treatment-oriented approaches are intended to provide support and resources for substance use disorders, emphasizing rehabilitation instead of punishment.
- To what degree do perceptions of mental health and substance abuse affect treatment services?
Perceptions of mental health and substance abuse can greatly affect treatment services. When mental health and substance abuse are misunderstood or blamed on the individual, they are less likely to seek treatment, and if they do, services may be underfunded or inaccessible. With an understanding and accepting perception of these issues, they are more likely to be seen as legitimate health concerns, leading to more integrated and comprehensive treatment services tailored to the needs of the struggling individuals, such as therapy, medications, support groups, and other interventions that address both aspects of mental health and substance abuse (Committee on the Science of Changing Behavioral Health Social Norms, 2019).
- How do perceptions of vulnerable and disenfranchised populations affect the choice to treat or incarcerate individuals with mental health or substance use issues?
Perceptions of vulnerable and disenfranchised populations can influence whether individuals with mental health or substance use problems are treated or incarcerated. Unfortunately, marginalized populations such as racial minorities, individuals with low socioeconomic status, and the LGBTQ+ population are disproportionately affected by these disorders (Popple & Leighninger, 2019). Biases and systemic inequities can lead to these groups being targeted unfairly rather than being provided the resources and support they need for help. Efforts to address these disparities require a shift in perception towards social justice, with policies prioritizing treatment, support, and rehabilitation over punishment, especially for vulnerable populations.
