Orthogonal Cultural Identification Theory: Theoretical Links Between Cultural Identification and Substance Use

This paper diagrams and discusses orthogonal cultural identification theory, proposing that cultural identification is developed and maintained through complex interactions and negotiations between the culture and the person. When the individual meets cultural requirements, the culture provides rewards that match cultural needs and reinforce cultural identification. Strong identification with one culture does not prevent identification with another. A breakdown in this interaction can lead to alienation and possibly to identification with a deviant subculture and/or to drug use.