How can we use anthropology in order to understand “substance abuse” and/or addiction?

Published May 19, 2010

Up until now, rehab programs have not been very successful. In your own words, give me some examples where anthropology and sociology can be applied and used in regards to developing a rehab program maybe more adapted to addicts.
xx machina: True, it was extremely important to anthropologists up until recently. Things have changed. With the emergence of what we call in France “Le devoir d’Ingerence,” post- post- modernist theories and more, the idea of objectivity and subjectivity have definitely transformed. New branches of anthropology are actually born with the desire to change the world, therefore, to judge and speak out (applied anthropology is a good example). You will find more and more applied anthropologists working in health organizations, developing health programs with just that “an anthropological approach.” Many medical, cultural, symbolic, urban anthropologists anthropologists have been writing on a social phenomenon called addiction. It would make sense to apply these findings in the benefit (not necessarily judge as you point out) of addicts.
Thank you Dek and Glo.

How can we use anthropology in order to understand “substance abuse” and/or addiction?

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