What potential effects can differential association influence regarding drug use?

Differential association theory posits that individuals learn behaviors through their interactions and associations with others. When applied to drug use, this means that the social environment and the norms within that environment can significantly shape a user's understanding of drugs. Through social interactions, individuals may come to acquire knowledge about the effects of drugs, how to use them, the social acceptance of drug use, and the responses associated with different substances.

The influence of differential association on a user's understanding of drug effects and responses highlights how important peer groups and social networks are in shaping one's perceptions. For example, if an individual is predominantly around peers who actively discuss or engage in drug use, they are likely to develop a more nuanced understanding of drugs, including both positive and negative effects. This social learning can play a critical role in not only how individuals perceive the substances themselves but also how they may react to them physically and psychologically in real-life situations.