The Narrative

Within our understanding of addiction and substance abuse, social cohesion and the degree to which such cohesion influences an individuals substance use is widely recognized as being a correlative relationship. Said simply, it is incredibly hard to change ones patterns of behavior if one is entrenched within a social sphere that continually pushes the behavior(s) that are trying to be diverted.

At first look, this seem to be self-evident, however, we must understand that a social group is a convergence of individuals, making the acquisition to ‘group norms’ less about an individual submitting to group rule but rather a reciprocation of individual experiences, converging and amplifying shared hardships and trauma.

I want to bridge this notion to not only substance use but so too with other ‘social dependances’ we commonly experience. As stated in earlier entries, addiction and substance abuse are directly in relation with suicide as ones suicidality is increased by substance use, and suicidality increases substance use in a perpetual cycle. Even though there may not be as much of a direct relation, the social spheres that we become dependent on can and often do perpetuate destructive behavior; whether it be depression, self harm, or hate for another.

Literature

There is a wealth of conceptual as well as evidence-based framework that outlines the psychosocial influence groups have on the individual, as well as the level of learning and replication of behavior that an individual takes from the social group or environment that one is within.

This has been tied to Social Learning Theory, as well as much behavioral research, seeing how the reciprocation of group to individual affects the social norms, and those norms thereby affecting the behavior of the individual.

Culmination

The ‘loss of control’ surrounding the use of a substance or behavior is what truly can define something as addictive. This goes far beyond the reaches of substance use however, as humans are social creatures in almost every avenue of life.

The social spheres around us determines the behavioral characteristics we are able to draw on when determining our individual action, opinion, and perspective. This notion alone holds unimaginable influence over our lives and can determine the state of ones mental health, ones notions of others, even the notions of ones self.

A Call To Action

What notions or behaviors has our current social sphere lead us to ‘lose control of’? How does it effect the way in which we perceive ourselves and the way in which we perceive the world around us?

With the introspective questioning like this, can the influence of our social spheres, good and bad, be recognized and be consciously attended to throughout our interactions with the world. So that we may defend those who we may previously overlooked; so we may address patterns of behavior that may usually go unseen; so we may not lose hope.

Local Initiatives and Involvements

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention 2025 EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN MESA COUNTY Register Here!

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST): March 20-21, September 18-19, November 6-7 This two-day workshop(16 hours) helps participants learn how to prevent suicide by recognizing signs, providing a skilled intervention, and developing a safety plan to keep someone alive.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA): February 21, April 11, September 26, October 17, December 5 This eight (8) hour training teaches people how to recognize signs of mental health or substance use challenges in adults, how to offer and provide initial help, and how to guide a person toward appropriate care.

Youth Mental Health First Aid (Youth MHFA): March 7, April 18, August 29 This Six and half (6.5) hour training for adults who regularly interact with people ages 12-18. It introduces common mental health challenges, typical adolescent development, and plan for how to help in crisis and non-crisis situations

Soul Shop™: February 20, October 2 This 90-minute workshop equips faith community leaders and other people of faith to train their congregations to minister to those impacted by suicidal desperation.

If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, call or text 988. The National Suicide Hotline is staffed around the clock with certified members of the American Association of Suicidology. Or the Crisis Text Line, text CO to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from a secure online platform.