Factors That Contribute to Drug Addiction By Victory Center on Jan 29, 2016 in Addiction, Blog |

There are a multitude of factors that contribute to addiction; most addicts stumble into the disease head on, never realizing the road that lies ahead.

Everything from environment to genetics and even gender can set a course for disaster. Recognizing risk factors that contribute to drug addiction can help push a developing addict off course, or help a recovering one understand their disease and learn to avoid exposure to these underlying issues and avoid relapse.

1. Environmental factors cross a broad spectrum from careers and family attitudes to peer pressure.

Mental health disorders developed later in life like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and compassion fatigue can lead to drug use as a coping mechanism. These can often be found in high stress jobs like public safety, emergency medicine, and the military. Other factors that contribute to drug addiction include incidental exposure to highly addictive substances, like stimulants and painkillers, which can lead to a rapid creation of chemical dependency and a high tolerance to the drug. Dependency leads to symptoms of withdrawal, which can only be alleviated by use of the drug, furthering the addiction. This is often the case with prescription painkillers prescribed after surgical procedures and injuries. The old cliché about peer pressure, particularly in adolescents and young adults, remains to be true as well. Many people may initially be exposed to addictive substances by their peers, this coupled with other predispositions toward addiction can lead to a rapid descent into the disease.

2. Genetics and Gender.

A 2002 study surveying more than 5600 pairs of male-male and female-female twins found that both gender and genetics were significant factors that contribute to drug addiction. According to the Mayo clinic, many studies have shown that while men were more likely to have problems with addiction, female addiction disorders progressed much more rapidly. Many families see generational development of addiction, i.e., people with blood relatives suffering from addiction are more likely to become addicts themselves.

3. Other Mental Health disorders.

Easily one of the most significant factors contributing to drug addiction is co-morbidity (or co-occurrence) with other mental health disorders. Depression, Bipolar disorder, and even ADHD are very well known factors in the development of addiction. Drugs and alcohol are readily available coping mechanisms for those suffering from painful psychiatric disorders. Even loneliness can lead to the use of addictive substances to ease painful feelings. Most often the use of these substances leads to exacerbation of symptoms when the addict stops using.

These examples merely skim the surface of factors that contribute to drug addiction.

While heavily studied, there are many things left to learn about this disease. Learning risk factors for addiction are the best way to catch the disease before it develops. Using this guide in recovery can help to maintain sobriety through knowledge and avoidance of triggers.

Resources:

Kendler, K., Prescott, C., Myers, J., & Neale, M. (2003, January 9). The Structure of Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors for Common Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders in Men and Women. Retrieved November 18, 2015.

Drug addiction: Risk Factors. (2014, December 5). Retrieved November 18, 2015.

If you or someone you love needs help, contact us at Victory Addiction Recovery Center anytime (337) 456.9111.



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