Everyone grows up in this world differently. Therefore, not everyone’s drug abuse is triggered by the same causes. In fact, the causes for drug abuse can be so versatile, it’d be impossible to pinpoint every single source. Yet, there are common cases we have noticed amongst a good sum of addicted individuals. Likewise, these individuals also hold common aspects that sustain and fuel their addiction.
Genetic Susceptibility
It’s been scientifically stated that a person’s genetic makeup is accountable for half of their exposure to addiction. If your mother or father has suffered from addiction, there’s the tendency for the children to, likewise, experience similar sufferings.
This explains the commonality of families facing addiction together. Though it’s usually not the only probable cause for drug abuse, it remains a key factor in an individual’s decisions and behavior.
Personality Traits
Going off genetic susceptibility, there are certain personality traits people are born with that makes them more vulnerable to drug addiction. For example, if an individual feels experimental in terms of socializing, they may end up experimenting with drugs in a social regard.
It should be noted that though these personality traits come from one’s DNA, it’s not to say that the DNA held the trait of addiction. Rather, the DNA held traits that can lead to addiction if not disciplined properly.
Mental Health
In recent years, one of the biggest contributors to drug addiction has been mental health disorders. There are two reasons for this:
1. People suffering from mental health issues usually end up receiving prescription they become dependent on.
2. People suffering from mental health may seek out substances as a way of relief.
Another probability we’ve been noticing is there are occasions where non-mental health individuals develop mental health problems after addiction.
The Age When You Begin
Due to the fact that a teenager’s brain is still developing, if they take drugs at a young age, they are more likely to be dependent on them.
When an adult intakes drugs for the first time, after their brain has developed, they are less likely to be addicted. Reason being they didn’t allow their brains to grow while under the influence.
Environment
If you find yourself surrounded by other addicts on a daily basis, it’s going to be hard to avoid addiction within yourself. As the saying goes, we are a product of our environments. These surroundings are that of the following:
● Poor relations with family
● Lack of parent supervision
● Easily accessible drugs within community
● Being close with other addictions
Conclusion
Stonewall Institute Treatment Center is here to answer any questions you have on drug abuse. If you or a loved one is abusing drugs and are seeking out treatment, give us a call for more information on our facility at 602 535 6468 or email us at [email protected].