After reviewing the three categories of criminological theory and their explanations for illicit drug use, I found that drug addiction is best explained from a sociological perspective. Although addiction to drugs often arises from a fusion of biological, psychological and social factors, I believe that the development of deviant behavior is best explained by social learning theory.
Social learning theory assumes that people tend to adopt the behavior of those around them. It implies that people, watching others take drugs, imitate those (Bahr & Hoffmann, 2016). People are also likely to be directly taught by friends, peers, or family. Sometimes this “learning” occurs through reinforcement or punishment: drug use is encouraged, and refusal is condemned. I selected this theory because it seems that more addicts are formed in this way.
It is especially relevant for young people who are easily influenced by the society that surrounds them. Sometimes people see such deviant behavior in people whom they strive to be like and copy them. There are some special rituals, habits, and behavior patterns in any small group of people, whether a family or friends. When some teenagers get together to play computer games or see the movies, other bands get together to “get high”. Children of disadvantaged backgrounds can learn to take drugs from parents, siblings, or other family members. Alternatively, people may be seduced by stories that drugs are enjoyable. Moreover, the use of reinforcement is generally used to shape sustainable behavior.
Since the influence of society and the environment is robust on a person, the social learning theory principles can also shape drug policy. However, since that theory affects small groups of people, that “shaping” cannot be global, though more depends on each person. To generate conforming behavior, one needs to surround himself with suitable people, avoid drug addicts, and not participate in groups with deviant behavioral habits (Bahr & Hoffmann, 2016). The addict himself plays a significant role in the struggle against drugs since success directly depends on his desire to learn new behavior patterns.
Reference
Bahr, S. J., & Hoffmann, J. P. (2016). Social scientific theories of drug use, abuse, and addiction. In H. H. Brownstein (Ed.), The handbook of drugs and society (pp. 197-217). John Wiley & Sons.