Substance Use in the Contemporary U.S.: Antecedents and Consequences Contextualized

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

The U.S. has oscillated over time with respect to both public perceptions of and polices related to substance use broadly. The presentations in this panel cover several perspectives, antecedents, and consequences to be considered for future policy work pertaining to substance use and drug reform policies. Specifically, these four papers draw on criminological theory to better contextualize use of substances to cope with health and/or social-psychological strains, substance use as it relates to social relationships among midlife adults, and an analysis of state-level drug-related arrests over time in conjunction with state-level cannabis policies related to legalization.

Sub Unit

• Area III. Types of Offending / 14. Drugs

Individual Presentations

• The Worst Club Ever: General Strain Theory and Substance Use Among "Migrainers" - Sara Roza, Bowling Green State University; Thomas Mowen, Bowling Green State University

• Not Just for Young'uns: Illicit Substance Use Among the Middle Aged - Brooke Wollett, Bowling Green State University; Leanne Confer, Georgia Southern University; Thomas Mowen, Bowling Green State University

• Gateway Drug or Moral Panic?: Contextualizing Changes in Drug-Related Arrests Amid Cannabis Legalization Policies - Leanne Confer, Georgia Southern University

• IRL Treasure Hunting: Is the Real Treasure the Beer We Find Along the Way? - Thomas Mowen, Bowling Green State University; Laura Sanchez, Bowling Green State University

Chair

• Thomas Mowen, Bowling Green State University

Discussant

• Leanne Confer, Georgia Southern University