According to research, genetic characteristics, contextual factors, and repeated exposure all contribute to drug addiction vulnerability. In contrast, addiction is rarely caused by a single event, so identifying all the factors that may be involved is vital. In this piece, we will discuss four of the most common reasons for addiction.
- Genetics
There is still a lot of debate about how genetics affects addiction. Research indicates that heredity is responsible for 40% to 60% of addiction tendency, and children of addicts have a 25% higher chance of becoming addicted. Although researchers are searching to discover an addiction gene, environmental factors such as drug exposure and normalization are more likely to contribute to familial addiction patterns.
- Environment
Addiction is the best example of the debate between nature and nurture. It is not proven that there is a genetic predisposition, even though there may be. Additionally, our environment plays an important role in our mental and physical well-being, and thus contributes to the onset of addiction.
When drugs are a prevalent part of a family, a person might become desensitized to them or accept them as normal. As long as they see the positive effects of drug usage (euphoria, partying, having fun), young people will naturally emulate these effects. Because they are readily available, children may become depressed or nervous if they face negative consequences of drug abuse (abuse, unemployment, failed relationships) and turn to drugs as a coping strategy because they are readily available.
- The Body and the Mind
You release dopamine into your brain whenever you eat, sexually interact, or engage in any other activity that helps you live.
Dopamine is a chemical messenger or neurotransmitter that is released in your brain whenever something is good or should be repeated. When drugs are used, they cause the release of dopamine to be abnormal. A person taking a drug for a long time begins to produce less dopamine on its own as the brain becomes overwhelmed by dopamine surges. In this scenario, the user’s natural dopamine factory is bypassed and he takes the drug to produce dopamine. This is the beginning of physical dependence.
- Support Systems and Treatment Experiences
Finally, we may identify our support networks and personal experiences with addiction treatment as factors that may contribute to addiction. We are more likely to become addicted or relapse from experiences with drug treatment and our support systems than from causing it.
A drug addict’s relationships with his or her friends and family can be difficult. They may struggle with depression if they don’t have a strong support system, and drugs may become their only real friend. Some people have tried recovery before and had unpleasant experiences such as withdrawal symptoms or a lack of effective treatment for co-occurring disorders, leading them to relapse and view themselves as failures in recovery, hence returning to addiction.
Learn More About Addiction at The Best Addiction Treatment Facility
At Skyward Treatment, our drug abuse experts are waiting to help you or your loved one learn more about addiction and its causes. Contact our online team for more information.