Most Common Causes of Drug Addiction

man considers the common causes of addiction

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Drug or alcohol addiction can start in many ways. Some of these ways may be entirely unexpected. Addiction does not discriminate. Addiction affects all kinds of individuals from a complex spectrum of socioeconomic backgrounds, environmental situations, and personal and political statuses. However, there are some drug addiction causes that are typical in that they appear in a well-recognized cycle of addiction. If you have been struggling with a cycle of addiction, our experienced professionals can help guide you on the path to recovery. To learn more about drug addiction causes, reach out to Clearhaven Recovery today. Recognizing your need for addiction recovery may very well be your first step to breaking the cycle of addiction.

Understanding Drug Addiction

To better understand the causes of drug addiction, it is important to reflect on what defines addiction. Addiction is a term that encompasses a relative cycle of substance abuse behavior. The brain chemistry is affected by drug use, providing feelings of euphoria, calmness, or artificial happiness. This artificial joy can overwrite the way that we experience physical or emotional pain. However, when you form an association between a feeling and a substance, the substance becomes a coping mechanism for that need. As the body adjusts, and the drug becomes less useful, you may need more of the substance to maintain balance. Once you are in the cycle of addiction, it can be difficult to pull yourself from it without the help of professionals.

Common Causes of Addiction

The causes of drug addiction can be varied and individualized. The depth of addiction can be affected by factors like when, where, or why you started taking a substance. Here are some causes of drug addiction:

  • An attempt to process traumatic events
  • Hereditary links such as a family history of addiction
  • High-stress job or lifestyle
  • Balancing mental health issues
  • Chronic pain
  • A one-time serious injury led to more serious addiction
  • Gateway drugs have led to more serious drug use
  • Prolonged environmental exposure to drugs

If you began using a substance due to any of the reasons above, you are not alone. These crucial factors lead to drug use for millions of individuals. It is important to remember that anyone can find themselves in the addiction cycle. It can be a fast process or a slow one depending on the type of substance taken and the individual resilience of the person using the substance. You do not have to fight addiction alone. Clearhaven Recovery is here to help.

Causes of Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction is similar to drug addiction in that it is a cycle that can be brought on by genetic and environmental factors. Alcohol addiction is especially observable at younger ages due to peer pressure and mass media. College and high school students often find themselves abusing alcohol and binge drinking. Sustained behavior like this can lead to serious financial, legal, and health-related repercussions. Since mental health issues tend to appear during the teen and college years, many young people find themselves self-medicating to manage symptoms. Sometimes individuals will use alcohol to mask these symptoms for years, growing into adulthood without ever finding the right diagnosis and receiving the right care. If this is your story, know that the causes of alcohol addiction don’t have to affect your life forever.

Break the Cycle of Addiction Today with Clearhaven Recovery

We understand that every individual struggling with addiction has unique needs for recovery. The causes of drug addiction and alcohol addiction can be complex. When you reach out to Clearhaven Recovery, our experienced staff can help to create an individualized recovery plan that will best suit your needs. Our recovery center offers high-quality, flexible treatment options to help you heal your symptoms of addiction. Contact us today via our secure online form or give us a call at 833.970.2054 to discuss individualized treatment options. Clearhaven Recovery is the clear choice to break the cycle of your addiction.

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Reviewed By:

Clearhaven Recovery Clinical Staff

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