# Exploring Social Support and Substance Use in Stigmatized Groups > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/social-support-substance-use-stigmatized-populations/ > **Published:** 2020-07-28T13:56:53-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T11:17:27-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore the link between social support substance use and frequency in socially stigmatized populations with recent research insights. --- **An inverse relationship between perceived social support and [substance Use](https://cedclinic.com/stroke-risk-assessment-substance-use/) frequency in socially stigmatized populations** In Summary Researchers have recently attempted to elucidate the relationship between perceived social support and frequency of [substance use](https://cedclinic.com/stroke-risk-assessment-substance-use/) in socially stigmatized groups revealing contextual differences. The two groups utilized in this study, substance-using male prison inmates and primary-methamphetamine using men who have sex with men, showed different results in the study, leaving the researchers with more questions than answers. In the inmates’ group perceived social support was negatively correlated to life-time substance use for alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis yet the methamphetamine-users only demonstrated the same negative correlation for a 30-day period. The authors are uncertain as to the differences in results but suggest that future research delves into the psychosocial or contextual differences behind these two groups. Looking into the substance use frequency and patterns of stigmatized or marginalized groups are not often done leaving many populations without specialized treatment or prevention programs. Our culture, peers, family, and environment all come together to shape who we are and mold how we think about the world and our place in it. People begin using substances for different reasons although some motivations are common among certain populations. By examining the underlying motivation for substance use frequency members of the healthcare community may be able to develop custom prevention or treatment methods by utilizing psychology or another science to drastically decrease the frequency of [substance use disorders](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-clinical-trials-mental-disorders-evidence-2/) in all populations. The study is available for review or download here: DOWNLOAD & REVIEW HERE View more studies like this in the CED Foundation Archive: [http://bit.ly/drcaplan](http://bit.ly/drcaplan) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. 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[Read More](https://cedclinic.com/new-study-reveals-distinct-differences-in-how-different-drugs-relate-to-criminal-behavior/) [Clinical Phenomenology of Bipolar Disorder With Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review.](https://cedclinic.com/bipolar-disorder-substance-use-clinical-phenomenology-review/) A comprehensive review of [bipolar disorder](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-induced-appetite-satiety-bypass-thc-brain/) co-occurring with [substance use disorders](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-clinical-trials-mental-disorders-evidence-2/), highlighting clinical challenges and treatment considerations. [Explore Review](https://cedclinic.com/bipolar-disorder-substance-use-clinical-phenomenology-review/) [Cannabis use, anxiety and depression are all on the rise in Canada: study – CTV News](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-use-mental-health-risks-canada-study/) This study discusses the increasing trends of [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) alongside anxiety and depression, relevant to understanding substance use in vulnerable groups. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-use-mental-health-risks-canada-study/) Have thoughts on this? 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