Seeking legitimacy for broad understandings of substance use

摘要: Abstract This commentary invites discussion about implicit and explicit factors that impede research substance use from a nuanced perspective recognises potential benefits advantages. It is argued efforts to engage in scholarship beyond those informed by theoretical philosophical assumptions inherently risky problematic can enhance genuine inquisition transform which discourses interpretations are legitimised. Prioritisation of scholarly funding publication has largely been predicated on the notion illicit substances pose an inherent risk for individual social harm. implicitly explicitly influenced what type conducted how constructed. Researchers who suspends problems associated with may become subject judgement their credibility, ethics, expertise. Moving forward, we suggest conscientiously attending broad, experiences will contribute stronger evidence base. Equal opportunity should be given examine complexity lived experiences. also timely consider brings value pursuit, recognising health but one valued outcome. Perhaps other outcomes, such as human rights, compassion, justice equally commendable. To advance scholarship, it essential decision-makers (e.g., bodies, editors) embrace does not conform or exclusively legitimate, advocate resists conforming dominant discourses, create spaces critical perspectives interpretations.