The Social Stress Model of Substance Abuse among Childbearing-Age Women: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

The Social Stress Model of Substance Abuse has been derived from numerous psychosocial theories and models. This model suggests that the likelihood of an individual engaging in drug abuse is influenced by the stress level and the extent to which it is offset by stress modifiers such as social networks, social competence and resources. This article synthesizes current empirical evidence for this model. Thirteen primary research studies of women are synthesized and described, with special attention to the four key constructs inherent in the model: stress, social networks, social competencies, and resources. Consistencies and inconsistencies in the findings, a critique of key methodological issues, implications for future research, and implications for clinical policy and practice are provided.

Neighborhood Income and Income Distribution and the Use of Cigarettes, Alcohol, and Marijuana

“…First, neighborhood characteristics may increase levels of psychological distress 39 and drug use may occur for the relief of states of stress. 40,41 There is ample research demonstrating that stressful life events occur with greater frequency in low-income neighborhoods 42 and that substance use may be a way to cope with these events. 43 Second, adverse neighborhood conditions (e.g., low income, greater income maldistribution) may undermine individuals' psychological coping resources and make use of substances more likely.…”

Education inequality and use of cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana

“…First, neighborhood characteristics may increase levels of psychological distress (Aneshensel and Sucoff, 1996) and drug use may occur for the relief of states of stress (Rhodes and Jason, 1990;Lindenberg et al, 1994). There is ample research demonstrating that stressful life events occur with greater frequency in neighborhoods with low levels of income and education (Fang et al, 1998) and that substance use may be a way to cope with these events (Boardman et al, 2001).…”

The Urban Environment and Sexual Risk Behavior among Men who have Sex with Men

“…96 Additionally, the stress associated with living amidst physical disorder may increase use and abuse of alcohol and drugs as a maladaptive coping behavior or Bself-medication,^9 7 termed the stress reduction hypothesis. 45,98,99 Other physical environment factors, such as an absence of parks or well-lit sidewalks, may decrease sociability, 89 which decreases the collective ability of the neighborhood to control problem behaviors, such as drug use, crime and related HIV risk behavior. There has been limited application of this explanation as it relates to sexual behavior and outcomes.…”