SOCIAL PHARMACOLOGY
Sheikh Uzma Farooq1 and Aditya Sharma2*
1Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Khalsa College of
Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Amritsar
2Department of Veterinary Pathology, Khalsa College of Veterinary and Animal
Sciences, Amritsar
*Corresponding author: Dr. Aditya Sharma, aditya555sharma@gmail.com, 7018635195
ABSTRACT: Social pharmacology recognizes the unique needs and challenges of different populations and advocates for an intersectional approach that takes into account the interplay of multiple social identities in shaping drug use patterns and drug-related problems. The goal of social pharmacology is to provide insights into the social determinants of drug use and the development of effective drug policies and interventions with emphasis to promote public health and social justice.
Keywords: Social Pharmacology, Healthcare professionals, Pharmaceuticals, Postmarketting
Introduction:
Social pharmacology is a discipline that studies the social, cultural, and economic factors that influence the use of drugs by individuals, communities, and populations. It examines drug use patterns, drug policies, and drug-related problems from a wider perspective that takes into account the complex interactions between individuals and society.
The goal of social pharmacology is to provide insights into the social determinants of drug use and the development of effective drug policies and interventions. Drug use is a widespread phenomenon that affects individuals and society at large. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, over 35 million people worldwide suffer from drug use disorders, contributing to public health, social, and economic problems. However, drug use is not solely a biological phenomenon. It is also a social and cultural behaviour that is influenced by a range of social, economic, cultural, and environmental factors.
Understanding drug use patterns requires a deeper understanding of the context in which drug use occurs. For instance, research has shown that drug use is influenced by cultural and social norms, peer pressure, availability of drugs, and individual experiences. Therefore, drug use cannot be simply attributed to personal willpower or biological factors. Rather, it is a complex interplay of factors that requires a multidisciplinary approach. Social pharmacology recognizes that drug policies and interventions also have social and cultural implications that can impact drug use patterns and drug-related problems. Drug policies are often shaped by political and economic interests that may have unintended consequences. For instance, drug prohibition policies have been associated with increasing rates of drug-related violence and other adverse outcomes, particularly among marginalized populations. Similarly, relying solely on medical interventions to address drug use disorders may overlook the social and environmental factors that contribute to addiction.
History:
The term social pharmacology was coined by Dr. C. Wilson. This term was initially used with narcotic drugs. They correlated addiction to mood and behaviour changes in social setting. With time, the horizon broadens to all the non pharmacological factors influencing the usage of drugs in population.
Social Pharmacology and its approach:
Social pharmacology advocates for a broader approach to drug policies and interventions that takes into consideration the social and cultural determinants of drug use. This approach emphasizes harm reduction, social justice, and the promotion of health equity. Harm reduction refers to policies and interventions that aim to reduce the harms associated with drug use, such as overdose, HIV infection, and social exclusion. Social justice refers to policies that aim to address the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to drug use disorders, such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination. Health equity refers to the fair distribution of health resources and opportunities, regardless of social status or geographic location. It also recognizes the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations. Such collaboration can help identify the unique social, economic, and cultural factors that influence drug use and develop effective policies and interventions that meet the specific needs of different populations. For instance, community-based participatory research has been shown to be effective in engaging local communities in the design and implementation of drug policies and interventions. This approach can help build trust and promote the long-term sustainability of drug policies and interventions.
Role of Institutes in Social Pharmacology:
The social determinants of drug use also include the roles of various institutions, such as the healthcare system, the criminal justice system, and the pharmaceutical industry. The healthcare system, for instance, can play a crucial role in preventing and treating drug use disorders. However, stigmatization, lack of access to healthcare, and inadequate training of healthcare providers can hinder the effective provision of care. The criminal justice system, on the other hand, can contribute to social exclusion and perpetuate the cycle of drug use and criminality. Similarly, the pharmaceutical industry can influence drug use patterns through marketing practices and the production and distribution of drugs.Therefore, social pharmacology advocates for a critical examination of the roles of these institutions and their impact on drug use patterns and drug-related problems. It also emphasizes the importance of strengthening the regulatory frameworks that govern these institutions to ensure that they promote public health and social justice.
Factors influencing Social Pharmacology:
Social pharmacology also recognizes that drug use is not a homogeneous phenomenon, and therefore, different populations have unique needs and challenges regarding drug use. For instance, women who use drugs may face different biological, social, and economic challenges than men who use drugs. Similarly, racial and ethnic minority populations may experience different forms of discrimination that affect drug use patterns and drug-related problems. Therefore, social pharmacology advocates for an intersectional approach that takes into account the interplay of multiple social identities (such as gender, race, class, and sexuality) in shaping drug use patterns and drug-related problems.
Social Pharmacology in Evaluation of Medical products:
After the drug discovery, the drug has to undergo market trials for toxicity evaluation, pharmacoeconomics, ethical issues, scheduling of drugs, listing of drugs. Social Pharmacology is a interlink between all marketing and postmarketting factors that influence the sale of drug and prescription patterns. The corelation is associated with observational and experimental studies of drug. It is a tool that includes longitudinal studies, pharmacogenomic study, pharmacoeconomics, ethical issues, drug compounding, labelling and dispensing, off label drugs. It links all these aspects of drug data with patients, healthcare workers, health care administrators, pharmaceuticals.
Conclusion:
Social pharmacology is a critical discipline that recognizes the complex interplay of social, cultural, and economic factors in shaping drug use patterns and drug-related problems. It emphasizes the importance of harm reduction, social justice, and health equity in developing effective drug policies and interventions. Social pharmacology recognizes the roles of various institutions in shaping drug use patterns and advocates for critical examination and regulatory frameworks that promote public health and social justice.
References:
- Lyttle T, Montagne M. Drugs, music, and ideology: A social pharmacological interpretation of the acid house movement. Subst Use Misuse. 1992; 27:1159–77.
- Schachter S, Singer J, Author D. Cognitive, social, and physiological determinants of emotional state. 2013; 923:293–315.
- Montagne M. Social pharmacology: Integrating pharmaceutical and social science research on drug effects. Drug Inf J. 2004; 38:315–20.
- Alloza JL. Social Pharmacology: Conceptual remarks. Drug Information Journal 2004; 38: 321-329
