SOC217 Alcohol and Drugs Unit 6.2: Substance Abuse Treatment and Social Class
Do famous and wealthy individuals partake in the same substance abuse treatment as disadvantaged populations? Are there any similarities or differences? Are the treatments any more or less effective?
“Statistics indicate that alcohol use can increase in higher income groups. Alcohol use is more common among upper-class, highly educated Americans:
About 80% of upper-income survey respondents reported drinking alcohol, compared with approximately 50% of lower-income respondents.
Approximately 78% of individuals with an income of $75,000 or more reported that they drink, compared with 45% of individuals with an income of $30,000 or less.
About 80% of college graduates reported that they drink, compared with 52% of those who had a high-school education or less.
Altogether, 64% of American adults from all income categories reported that they use alcohol.” (Close, L., 2024)
Also, discuss if substance abuse treatment is viewed as appropriate use of resources regardless of social class and wealth.
There are addiction professionals and treatment centers that devote themselves to meet the particular needs of wealthy individuals far beyond the scope of five-start accommodations and amenities, with a greater focus on privacy and understanding of family dynamics, financial matters, values, lifestyle, mindset, stigma.
“Help is available for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status. Addiction treatment providers are increasingly becoming more multiculturally competent and aware of the unique needs of various groups of people, including the uber wealthy. There are addiction professionals and treatment centers that devote themselves to meet the particular needs of wealthy individuals far beyond the scope of five-start accommodations and amenities, with a greater focus on privacy and understanding of family dynamics, financial matters, values, lifestyle, mindset, stigma and shame, and other such important considerations of the treatment process.” (Sternlicht, A., 2025)
What does society tend to think when a wealthy or famous person goes to treatment versus a disadvantaged individual?
Wealthy individuals who need help for their addiction may question their own identity and be resistant to receiving treatment. Wealthy individuals often carry great shame about their mental health or addiction related issues. A significant barrier that often prevents wealthy individuals from seeking help is the stigma associated with addiction. Society often views substance use disorders as a sign of moral failure or lack of willpower, rather than a health issue.
References:
Close, L., 2024, American Addiction Centers, Drug & Alcohol Addiction Among Socioeconomic Groups, https://adcare.com/addiction-demographics/socioeconomic-groups/
Sternlicht, A., 2025, Family Addiction Specialist, More Money and More Problems, https://www.familyaddictionspecialist.com/blog/more-money-more-problems-wealthy-individuals-are-suffering-from-addiction-at-alarming-rates#:~:text=There%20are%20addiction%20professionals%20and,values%2C%20lifestyle%2C%20mindset%2C%20stigma
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