There is a world wide consensus that all kinds of addiction is on rise around the world. There are many types of addiction such as drug, alcohol, gambling, exercise, inmate, and etc. As well as types of addiction there are different factors effecting addiction. Many different factors influence addiction and recovery. Many studies have discussed the biological and psychological influences on addiction. However, there are also sociological forces. These forces cause entire groups of people to be more vulnerable to addiction. Thus, primary socio-cultural influences are important to discuss. In this study, sociological influences such as culture and ethnicity will be reviewed and discussed.

Dr. Aysun Dogutas completed her bachelor’s degree at English Language Teaching Department of Education Faculty at Hacettepe University in Turkey. After her graduation from the university, she went to USA for master and doctoral degrees. She completed her master and doctoral education in Cultural Foundations Department of Education Faculty at Kent State University in the USA. She researched school violence phenomenon in Ankara state schools as a doctoral thesis called “SCHOOL VIOLENCE IN TURKEY MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES IN MULTIPLE SETTINGS”. Dr. Dogutas served as a research assistant in Gerald H. Read International and Intercultural Education Center at Kent State University. Due to her services at the center, Dr. Dogutas received Excellent Leadership Award. After finishing her doctorate degree, she returned to Turkey and worked as an assistant professor at Agrı Ibrahim Cecen University for three years. She received associate degree in 2009 and still working as an associate professor at Philosophical, Social and Historical Foundations of Education Department at Pamukkale University, Denizli. Her study interests are gender, violence, migration, media, and educational sociology.