Addiction is a growing problem affecting millions of people daily. Trying to decide on what causes addiction, can be hard to figure out even through a process of elimination. There may one underlying originator to onset the addiction, or there can be a few different variables for the make up an addict.
Life changes
Moving, divorcing, new schooling are all reasons, to name a few, that can lead someone into the depths of addiction. Stress is a factor in substance abuse. Although someone recovering from addiction may not plan to overdo it, drinking or using may seem like a valid solution to not have to face the stress head on.
Settings
Living in a house where people abuse drugs and alcohol or living in a social environment where they are prevalent, can give the impression to a young kid that this type of lifestyle is a normal way to live without understanding the repercussions. Being exposed to this kind of conduct may set a child up for failure once they are aware that can try them as well.
Genetics
Research has been found that half of an addict’s susceptibility is linked to genetic elements. The genetic predisposition to addiction gives some people a higher risk of developing one due to having an addictive personality with an accelerated response to the effects of the drugs or alcohol.
Trauma
Traumatic events, including abuse, neglect, accidents, and disasters, can cause someone to want to forget about the pain that is associated with their circumstances. There are some disturbing statistics that prove that suffering from trauma may push someone to become addicted to substances.
- 1 in four children in America sustain trauma during their childhood.
- 1 in 6 women addicts, and 1 in 33 male addicts have endured sexual abuse, with 15 percent of victims being under the age of 12.
- Sexual abuse victims are 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol.
- Sexual abuse victims are 26 times more likely to abuse drugs.
Stress
Not having the coping mechanisms for stress can point people in the direction of drugs and alcohol. People undergo financial, social, and emotional stress on a regular basis. Instead of getting help with their issues, coping with drugs and alcohol may seem like the better alternative to numb their mind to not looking at what the causes and effects really are.
Educating children at an early age can give them the knowledge to hopefully set them on a clearer path of being abstinent of drugs and alcohol if any of these causes of addiction unfortunately happen to them.
If you know someone who is struggling with drugs and alcohol and has been the victim of any of these causes of addiction, send them our way here at Serenity Oaks Wellness Center. Our 12-Step aspects and holistic therapy together can set them onto the path to recovery. Call us today: 844-720-6847
