SW1023 INTEGRATIVE SOCIAL WORK AND ADDICTION STUDIES DISCUSS…

PLEASE RESPOND TO THE TWO CLASSMATES POST BELOW. MUST BE ORIGINAL WORK. SOURCES MUST BE CITED IN APA 7TH EDITION FORMAT.

(CLASSMATE 1)

Socioeconomic status can significantly influence the development of comorbid addictive behaviors, and both low and high socioeconomic conditions can create unique risk factors. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders recognizes that environmental stressors, social conditions, and access to resources can contribute to the development of substance use disorders and other mental health conditions.

For individuals with low socioeconomic status, risk factors often include chronic stress, unemployment, unstable housing, limited access to healthcare, and exposure to trauma. These stressors can increase vulnerability to mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, which may lead some individuals to use substances as a coping mechanism. This concern is especially relevant for veterans who may experience difficulties transitioning to civilian life, including financial strain or barriers to accessing care. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, these challenges can increase the likelihood of both substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions among veterans.

On the other hand, high socioeconomic status can also present risk factors. Individuals with greater financial resources may have easier access to prescription medications, alcohol, or other substances. High-pressure careers, social expectations, and occupational stress can also contribute to substance misuse to manage stress or maintain performance. Among veterans who transition into demanding professional roles after military service, these pressures may increase the risk of developing addictive behaviors alongside conditions such as PTSD or anxiety.

Overall, socioeconomic status can influence exposure to stress, access to substances, and availability of support systems. Recognizing these risk factors allows healthcare providers, particularly those working with veterans, to implement early screening, provide mental health support, and connect individuals with resources that reduce the likelihood of developing comorbid substance use and mental health disorders.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., text rev.). American Psychiatric Publishing.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2023). Substance use and mental health among veterans.

(CLASSMATE 2)

Some of the potential risk factors for the development of comorbid addictive behaviors associated with socioeconomic status include: Poverty, unemployment, and lack of education (Estrellado, 2025)

Estrellado (2025) defines the relationship between socioeconomic status and addiction behaviors is complex and multifaceted. Factors such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education are significant risk factors associated with higher rates of substance use disorders (Galea et al., 2004). These factors contribute to a cycle where addiction perpetuates financial instability, leading to deeper poverty and may cause homelessness or unhoused situations (Sinha, 2008). Unemployment is a significant risk factor for substance use disorders, as it increases financial stress, social isolation, and psychological distress (Henkel, 2011). Li et al. (2023) identified that low educational environments were associated with an increased risk of substance use disorders and other mental health conditions across multiple age groups.

Socioeconomic status significantly influences the development of addictive behaviors, and individuals across low, middle, and high statuses. Individuals with low socioeconomic status may experience chronic stress from financial instability (Galea et al., 2004). According to Brook et al. (2011) individuals in the middle socioeconomic status experience stress related to occupation, social comparison pressures, and lifestyle choices. Individuals within the high socioeconomic status class have greater access to resources that may lead to engagement with addictive behaviors (Lindsey et al., 2019).

Regardless of where an individual is within a particular socioeconomic status class, comorbidity of addiction behaviors are prevalent and the notion that individuals with more financial resources versus lower classes does not necessarily represent the group of individuals struggling with addiction completely.

References:

Brook, J. S., Zhang, C., Brook, D. W., & Koppel, J. (2011). Risk factors for drug use in adulthood: The role of SES, stress, and early substance use. *Journal of Addiction Research & Therapy, 2*(4), 17. [https://doi.org/10.4172/2155-6105.1000114](https://doi.org/10.4172/2155-6105.1000114)

Estrellado, N. (2025, February 19). Impact of socioeconomic status on addiction rates: Statistics. Addiction Group.

Galea, S., Ahern, J., & Vlahov, D. (2004). Contextual determinants of drug use risk behavior: A theoretical framework. *Journal of Urban Health, 81*(1), 3042. [https://doi.org/10.1093/jurban/jth094](

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Henkel, D. (2011). Unemployment and substance use: A review of the literature (19902010). Current Drug Abuse Reviews, 4(1), 427.

Li B, Allebeck P, Burstm B, Danielsson AK, Degenhardt L, Eikemo TA, Ferrari A, Knudsen AK, Lundin A, Manhica H, Newton J, Whiteford H, Flodin P, Sjqvist H, Agardh EE. Educational level and the risk of mental disorders, substance use disorders and self-harm in different age-groups: A cohort study covering 1,6 million subjects in the Stockholm region. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res. 2023 Dec;32(4):e1964. doi: 10.1002/mpr.1964. Epub 2023 Feb 17. PMID: 36802082; PMCID: PMC10698815.

Lindsey, E. W., Colwell, M. J., & Frabutt, J. M. (2019). Socioeconomic status and substance use: Examining risk and protective factors in high-income adolescents. *Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 48*(8), 15171532. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-019-01063-1](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-019-01063-1)

Sinha, R. (2008). Chronic stress, drug use, and vulnerability to addiction. *Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1141*(1), 105130. [https://doi.org/10.1196/annals.1441.030](https://doi.org/10.1196/annals.1441.030)