Substance abuse can seem like a strange problem to many people. Why can some people try a drug once or twice and never develop an addiction? Why do others immediately suffer addiction? The causes of substance abuse can help to explain many of these elements. Please note that these are not the only causes of this problem but merely the most common. And don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Atlantic Recovery Center if you have any more questions that we can answer for you.
The Causes of Substance Abuse Vary
Over the years, many people have come up with theories to explain drug use. Most of these have been pretty unsatisfactory and do little to solve this concern. However, Medline Plus compiled many of these causes and described them. Just a few potential causes of substance abuse include the following:
- A person’s genetic predisposition to substance abuse
- The type of drug a person uses
- Peer pressure from friends and family members
- Environmental factors
- Mental health concerns
- Chaotic lifestyle or an impulsive personality
Doctors have found one or more of each of these concerns in many people who abuse drugs. Some individuals will have one or more of these traits, while others may have almost all of them. Therefore, it is critical to breakdown some of the most important to understand this danger – mental health problems and the environment in which a person experiences life.
Some Types of Mental Illnesses May Trigger Substance Abuse
Mental health problems don’t always cause substance abuse. Many people with these issues reach out to professional help to manage them. However, some mental health problems remain the most significant influence on substance abuse. Sadly, the use of these drugs does little to help a person’s mental state. Even worse, drugs are more likely to cause these problems to worsen and may trap somebody in a cycle from which it is hard to escape.
For example, depression and anxiety may trigger drug abuse in many. The soothing experience some drugs cause may trigger a person to come back to them repeatedly. Alternatively, those with confrontational or risk-taking personalities – including anti-social disorders – may take substance simply because they know that they shouldn’t. Unfortunately, this problem can cause a situation known as co-morbid disorders. When these occur, a person is more likely to struggle to quit drugs.
Environmental Factors May Play a Part
The environment is another huge factor when discussing the reasons people abuse drugs. Often, this problem starts early in a person’s life. For example, a person who sees their parents smoke cigarettes and drink beer is likely to copy them. The same holds for harsher drugs. Parents who shoot up heroin in front of their kids may inspire them to try. Those who live with friends or family members who abuse drugs as an adult may find it hard to stay away from substances.
As a result, people often need to go away from the environment that triggers their substance abuse. This step is usually a tough one because people are often quite comfortable with a drug-using life. Sadly, exposure may help them feel more at home using drugs than not using them. As a result, outpatient and inpatient care may be necessary. These treatment options can break a person from this destructive cycle of behavior and ensure that they are protected from the dangers of substance abuse as much as possible.
Treatment is So Critical to Recovery
Caring for substance abuse takes on many forms, including:
- Detoxification of harmful substances
- Mental and psychological treatment
- Nutritional care to boost overall health
- Behavior adjustments
- Trigger management
- Aftercare to enhance recovery
At a typical rehab center, you can receive these and many other types of care. In this way, you can learn more about why you abuse drugs and take care of addiction for good.
Let Us Help You
Please call Atlantic Recovery Center today at 1-866-824-5193 to learn more about the causes of substance abuse. Our professionals offer a small and intimate recovery facility. Residential care is limited to just seven people at a time, ensuring a more focused recovery setting. So please verify your insurance to get started.