‘Interpreted space’ as a mediator between physical environment and situated substance use: outline of a socio-spatial theory for substance use prevention

“It's nice to just be”: A qualitative study on the meaning-imbued reality of waterpipe smoking among young adults in Sweden

“…This enhances the presentation of the waterpipe as a symbol for and mediator of ease and tranquillity. By adding the waterpipe with its particular meaning to these spaces, the two meaning structures complement each other in what then can be called an “interpreted space” ( Brotherhood, 2022 ) for the group assembly (cf. Carroll et al, 2014 ) as an element of waterpipe smoking as a social ritual.…”

“…The notion of cigarette smoking as place-related has also been reported ( Glenn et al, 2017 ; Glenstrup et al, 2019 ; Sánchez-Hernández & Pillon, 2011 ), with the place offering not only spaces for practising but also norms concerning smoking. Brotherhood (2022 , p. 1) describes how substance use may then be related to an environment. An “interpreted space” is created in which personal understandings and the perception of a specific space combine into latent qualities and meanings of the space in which substance use is situated and performed, moderated by momentary thoughts and feelings.…”