Addiction starts in many ways. While its origins may begin with your mental state, its introduction can come from many different arenas. The other variables of your background can have a tremendous effect on your life path. It can be disconcerting to see so many lives veer toward addiction. However, they do have common themes that you can examine for yourself. This may save you in future decision-making or when choosing addiction treatment. This article discusses how addiction has already started for some individuals. It can also help you be wary of that for yourself. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), these origins can be attributed to biology, environment, and development.
Biology
According to Psychiatric Clinics of North America, about half of a person’s risk for addiction is determined by their inherited DNA. Risk factors for drug use and addiction may also be influenced by gender, ethnicity, and mental disorders. In addition, individuals differ in how much they enjoy or dislike a specific addictive substance. Some people may appreciate substances to the point that resisting them becomes extremely challenging.
Others who do not have this hereditary disposition may not feel the same pull or challenge when encountering environments with substances. Additionally, various persons have differing capacities for controlling impulsive cravings with reason. Some people may struggle to control particular impulses. As a result of their genetic predisposition, these individuals would be more likely to develop an addiction. This makes addiction treatment crucial for individuals that have not practiced impulse control. Treatment for addiction can teach them how to activate this portion of the brain to manage their substance abuse.
Environment
The environment a person lives in can have various effects. From family and friends to financial stability and overall quality of life, your worldview can be easily changed. Some elements that may affect addiction are peer pressure, physical abuse, early drug exposure, stress, and parental supervision. These are only a few factors that can significantly impact your likelihood of using drugs and becoming addicted. Those in school may feel there is no other life outside the classroom. They may view their social and peer environment as taking priority over safety and health.
This is especially true with the introduction of social media. When people share photos and comments on social media about how much fun they have drinking and mingling, it enhances the allure. Unfortunately, it can also create a false perception about what is and isn’t allowed within the community. In particular, alcohol is frequently portrayed in the media as an acceptable and desired behavior. Drugs, alcohol, and other addictive substances are often glamorized in music videos, movies, TV shows, and by celebrities. It gives adolescents the impression that using them is acceptable.
Your community can affect how much alcohol or drugs you use on your own, just like it can at home, work, or school. You risk being desensitized to the dangers of drugs if you live in a community where they are sold and accepted as usual, especially at your school or in your neighborhood. Additionally, living in a drug-filled community can be stressful, which may lead some locals to turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping technique.
Development
According to Social Work in Public Health, addiction risk is higher for children reared in households with traumatic experiences. Trauma includes observing or receiving domestic violence, physical abuse, criminal conduct, mental illness, neglect, divorce, or drug use. The trauma of relationships has a significant effect on the way our brains cope, especially in adolescents. Critical developmental phases in a person’s life combine with genetic and environmental factors to influence the likelihood of addiction. Although using drugs at any age can result in addiction, addiction is more likely to develop the sooner drug usage starts.
Teenagers, in particular, find this to be bothersome. They may be particularly prone to risky activities, such as attempting drugs, since parts of their brains that regulate decision-making, judgment, and self-control are still developing. The action of experimentation is also used by this age group often. This is why teenagers that develop drug addictions are prone to continuing that addiction in adulthood. Seeking help at the first sign of drug abuse is critical to stopping further developmental damage. After a certain point, it becomes harder to convince an adolescent that addiction is an issue.
Stopping Addiction’s Growth
While addiction may stem from several origins, the goal is for this growing trend to end. The adoption of drugs and alcohol in society perpetuates the belief that addiction is normal and not a concern. Addiction is a disease that will grow if not stopped. If you are struggling with addiction, you must decide to treat it. You can’t afford to wait any longer. First Steps Recovery is prepared and waiting to serve you in any way you need. You deserve the happiness that only long-term sobriety can provide.
We may not realize what’s important to us until it is in jeopardy of being lost. Addiction is a disease that reminds us of what we should prioritize. Our health, family, and home should be at the forefront of our lives. All three are affected by substance abuse. First Steps Recovery recognizes these essential needs and wants to help you reach the goal of long-term sobriety. Our trained clinicians and experts know that addiction can rob you of your most valuable assets. They are ready to stand beside you as you get them back. If you are struggling with substance abuse, please get in touch with us for treatment options. Call First Steps Recovery at (844) 489-0836.
We may not realize what’s important to us until it is in jeopardy of being lost. Addiction is a disease that reminds us of what we should prioritize. Our health, family, and home should be at the forefront of our lives. All three are affected by substance abuse. First Steps Recovery recognizes these essential needs and wants to help you reach the goal of long-term sobriety. Our trained clinicians and experts know that addiction can rob you of your most valuable assets. They are ready to stand beside you as you get them back. If you are struggling with substance abuse, please get in touch with us for treatment options. Call First Steps Recovery at (844) 489-0836.
