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Re-interpretation is a helpful technique but we cannot re-interpret something if we are unaware of it. Most social and cultural forces exert their influence without any conscious awareness of it. Therefore, it can be vitally important to know and appreciate the various cultures that influence us. Consider who "my people(s)" might be:
When we view culture in this comprehensive manner, it becomes quite clear that knowing and appreciating our various cultures is quite a significant undertaking.
Here are some questions to consider as you think about your cultures:
Culture is a powerful influence but most people are not aware of this influence. A cultural and social assessment is a helpful part of a personal recovery plan. What groups do I belong to? What are the beliefs and attitudes of these groups? Given my exposure to these groups, which beliefs and attitudes did I adopt? Which of these beliefs and attitudes are helpful? Which ones are not?
Do you belong to one of the cultures where families typically model moderate alcohol use? For instance Italian, Spanish, French, Greek, Jewish and Chinese do not usually have significant alcohol problems. In these cultures, drinking does not typically occur for the sake of getting high. Rather, it occurs in the context of a meal, ritual, or celebration. Or, do you belong to one of the heavy-drinking cultures where alcohol abuse, and/or other drug abuse, is more the norm? This includes the cultures and sub-cultures of Russia, Ireland, Scotland, and various US college campuses and fraternities, to name just a few.
Another sociological influence is society's social sanctions, and the severity of those sanctions. This can include both formal and informal sanctions. Formal sanctions are usually codified laws. For instance, what are the legal sanctions for alcohol or drug use in your country? As of 2001, Portugal decriminalized all drug use while Singapore punishes drug users more severely than the United States. Informal sanctions are more social in nature. If you get drunk, do people shun you the next day? Or, do they laugh with you about it?
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