Consensus on Beliefs about Addiction in a Network of Addiction Recovery Volunteers

Abstract There is ample evidence that drug and alcohol addiction is a serious public health issue in the United States, but little agreement about the exact nature, causes, and best treatment of addiction. Sociological theory suggests that group membership has an impact on health behaviors such as drug and alcohol use, an idea which is reflected in many current treatments for addiction. This study examines the relationship between social ties and beliefs about addiction through cultural consensus and social network surveys of a group of volunteers at a drug and alcohol recovery service center. Due to a small sample size the results are inconclusive, but useful methods for the study of this topic as well as avenues of future research are explored.