Addiction and Society examines the wide-ranging effects of drug addiction on communities and the resources meant to support them.
It highlights how addiction disrupts social cohesion, burdens public services, and raises ethical questions about treatment and prevention.
The book argues that addiction is not just an individual struggle but a complex social issue deeply rooted in inequality and community breakdown.
For example, the economic impact includes healthcare costs, law enforcement expenditures, and lost productivity, all of which strain public resources.
The book provides a sociological analysis of addiction's impact on families, social networks, and its connection to crime and violence.
It uses sociological theories to understand the social determinants of drug addiction, moving beyond individual-focused approaches.
Supported by research, including national surveys and ethnographic studies, the book advocates for comprehensive, community-based solutions.
The book unfolds logically, starting with a sociological definition of addiction and progressing through impacts on social structures before concluding with prevention and treatment strategies.
A key strength of Addiction and Society lies in its integration of sociological theory with empirical data, offering a nuanced perspective on addiction's social consequences.
It aims to engage scholars, public health professionals, and community leaders, providing a framework for understanding and addressing the social challenges posed by drug addiction.