ABSTRACTIn this invited commentary we respond to Sy, Bontje, Ohshima, and Kiepek’s (2020) article that sought to articulate how drug use, as a ‘non-sanctioned’ occupation, should be understood in relation to the context within which it occurs; specifically, they consider the distinct historical, cultural, and socially situated values within which drug using in the Philippines occurs. We advocate for a collaborative approach that draws on the interdisciplinary value that occupational science can afford, in order to support the establishment of a comprehensive occupational perspective. Further, we consider this work in relation to Twinley’s concept ‘the dark side of occupation’, upholding that an occupational perspective of drug use is crucial.