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How do people become addicted?
Addiction, although it can be extremely debilitating, is a treatable disorder. Fortunately, there is no lack of treatment for those living in the United States, and our recovery treatment center provides some of the best rehabilitation services.
There are a variety of available options, but what is most important is that those in need of treatment locate the right option for themselves.
Why do people take drugs in the first place?
You might ask, if the pathway to addiction is so straightforward, why do people take drugs in the first place? Each person’s specific reason for using is unique to them, but in general, the “why” can fall under one or more of these four categories.
- To feel good – Upon ingestion of drugs, the user will experience a high – an intense feeling of pleasure or enjoyment that differs based on the substance that is used. This feeling of euphoria can range from power and confidence to relaxation and calm.
- To feel better – depending on the user, drugs can contribute to destressing and /or calming any anxiety or lifting depression the user feels in certain situations. For this reason, when feelings of stress, anxiety or depression arise during later treatment, those who used initially to diverge from these feelings are more susceptible to relapse than others.
- To do better – feelings of inadequacy in sports or school may lead some to use substances in order to improve their performance. Some stimulants can help increase focus or strength in certain academic and athletic activities. This type of use is usually due to the pressure put on the individuals to perform in these situations.
- Curiosity and Social Pressure – teens are most susceptible to this kind of pressure because they are more likely to behave in ways that are not necessarily in their best interest, i.e. taking risks, claiming independence from their parents, or impressing others. Peer pressure also plays a role, as alcohol and drugs can be abundant at high school parties as well as even on the school grounds in some situations.
Who is Most Susceptible to Addiction
Every individual’s likelihood of developing addiction depends on a certain set of risk factors that are dependent on their childhood, biology, environment and more. Although these risk factors are not foolproof, they are a good guideline as to who is in most danger of becoming addicted should they choose to indulge in substance use frequently.
For every specific risk factor there is also a protective factor that act as an indicator that the individual will be less likely to develop an addiction. Risk factors include:
- A lack of parental supervision at a young age
- Growing up in the neighborhood of poverty.
- Aggressive childhood behavior and the availability of drugs at school and in the home throughout childhood.
In contrast, protective factors include parental supervision and the presence of good role models from a young age, neighborhood resources, good self-control, and success in school. While most of these are external factors, internal factors such as genetics can also indicate who is at a higher risk of developing an addiction.
Genetics of Addiction
If an individual’s biological family has a history of addiction and/or drug related issues, they are automatically more at risk than an individual whose family does not have said history. According to NIDA, epigenetics is a 40-60% indicator that an individual will become addicted. Other genetic factors such as gender and even ethnicity can also indicate risk. Additionally, a familial history of mental health issues is suggestive of addiction.
Environment of Addiction
The environment an individual grows up in also plays a large part in their susceptibility to addiction. Being around family members who misuse and/or who are constantly in trouble with the law is conducive of later addiction. And, teens have the ability to sway those without initial risk factors into early use at school, especially if drugs are readily available. Early drug use is another risk factor that affects both those who grew up in stable environments and those who did not.
In addition to one’s environment, the actual means in which the drug is taken can accelerate addiction. Substances that are smoked or injected directly into the bloodstream reach the brain faster — although the high is nearly immediate, it subsides quickly, leading the user to desire more of the substance nearly every time they use.
If you or a loved one is suffering from drug or alcohol addiction, you are not alone. Desert Recovery has helped countless individuals begin a life of health, happiness, and sobriety. A compassionate, caring addiction expert is waiting for your call today.
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