Did you know that since 2000, nearly 1 million people have died of a drug overdose?
Addiction is a deadly disease. It can ruin lives, tear families apart, and destroy dreams.
But what are the causes of addiction? Why are some people addicted to drugs while others are not?
The answer is complicated, but many factors can affect a person’s likelihood of addiction. If you are wondering what are addiction causes, this short and simple guide is for you.
Genetic Factors
For people with addictive personality traits, their genetics can make them more prone to addiction.
Certain genes make people more likely to become addicted than others. If a parent is an addict, it increases their child’s risk of battling an addiction later in life as well.
Environmental Factors
The environment we grow up in affects our development and perception of things like drugs or alcohol.
If your parents were heavy drinkers, you might think of drinking as normal behavior when it isn’t. If you grew up around drug dealers, you might think it’s okay to use drugs yourself, even though it isn’t.
Traumatic Experiences
Many people develop addictions after experiencing traumatic events, such as abuse or neglect, as children or teens.
Some people turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with these experiences. The more trauma you experience as a child, the greater your risk of developing an addiction later in life.
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Physical Factors
Some people develop an addiction because of physical factors, such as chronic pain or illness.
Many people who depend on prescription medications turn to illicit drugs like heroin when their prescriptions run out. The risk of addiction goes up if you have a medical condition that requires you to take multiple medications regularly.
Social Factors
Some people develop an addiction because of social factors, such as the desire to fit in or peer pressure.
If your friends or family members use drugs or alcohol, it can make you feel you need to use them too. You may feel you have to use drugs or alcohol to fit in with a certain crowd.
Mental Health Issues
People who develop an addiction often suffer from mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In addition, many people with a substance use disorder also have another mental health condition at the same time. You may start using drugs or alcohol to self-medicate these conditions, but substance use can make them worse.
These Are the Causes of Addiction
The causes of addiction can be complicated and often interrelated.
However, it’s important to remember that people with a substance use disorder are not bad, weak, or flawed. They need help and support to recover.
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