Putting It Together: Final Thoughts on Two Decades of Mental Health and Addiction Development Efforts

Abstract

The work discussed in this book is underpinned in the theory of the social construction of reality, customs, common interpretations, and social process. These perspectives can become part of a deeply rooted process with individuals playing roles based on potential misconceptions leading to an institutionalized notion. These notions become embedded and are, therefore, reality that has been embedded in the institutional fabric of society. Reality is therefore said to be socially constructed. These are the entrenched beliefs in the Middle East that present a conundrum for social service and other mental health specialists; the representations of reality are not shared realities of mutual interest. This lack of shared realities leads to conflict, war, and violence. These are some of the causes of stress this book highlights. No one knows what will happen in the Middle East in the years to come. The work discussed in this book discusses a single mission to address stresses that affect the mental health and addiction processes of the people of the Middle East: a human mission to create a better world for our future and those who come after us. A shared reality of cooperation is one hope to reduce the stress and conflict in the Middle East. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)