Trying to explore the causes of drug abuse is a challenge. Pinpointing the cause for individuals is not always possible. However, it is possible to identify the most common causes that lead to drug abuse as well as the key factors that play a role in addiction.
Personality Traits
Some personality traits are known as risk factors when it comes to drug abuse. Having certain traits means individuals could be at a greater risk for use, abuse and addiction. For example, someone who is naturally experimental may be more likely to try drugs. As a result, they may also be more likely to become addicted.
Genetic Predisposition
Genetic alcoholism, or drug addiction, may also play a role as a cause of substance use. By some estimates, a person’s biological makeup is responsible for half of a their total vulnerability to addictive behavior. This is why, in part, it is so common to see multiple members of the same family who all struggle with addiction.
Mental Health
It would absolutely be a mistake not to address the issue of mental health as it relates to drug use and addiction. There is a strong link between individuals who use and become addicted to drugs and those with mental health conditions.
It may be that struggling with a mental health disorder causes people to seek relief through drug or alcohol use. Alternatively, there may be some connection between drug use and the eventual development or exacerbation of a mental health condition.
Environmental Factors
There are a wide range of environmental factors that can contribute to or subtract from the likelihood of developing a drug addiction disorder. Some of these environmental factors can include the following:
- Widespread availability of drugs in the community
- Childhood spent in poverty
- Lack of parental supervision
- Having a close friend or family member who abuses drugs
- Poor relationships with parents, siblings or classmates
Age When First Using Drugs
One important factor that can cause the development of a drug addiction may be the age of a person when they first try drugs. Many drugs have addictive properties regardless of age. However, children and teens don’t yet have a fully developed brain and they may, as a result, be more susceptible to these properties.
Research backs this idea up in many ways. Most notably, those who use drugs at a young age are more likely to become addicted. Those who are adults when first trying drugs, in contrast, are less likely to develop an addiction and more likely to use the drug just once or twice.
Seeking Treatment for the Causes of Drug Abuse
Whatever the individual causes of drug abuse, the solution remains the same–addiction treatment and rehab. At Pinnacle Peak Recovery in Scottsdale, Arizona, you or someone you love can end drug abuse or addiction once and for all. Call 866-377-4761 to take back your life today.