For years, scientists have been trying to answer this question, but they have not come up with a definitive answer. In a nutshell, we don’t know. Addiction is likely caused by a combination of genetics and the environment. Some people are born with a predisposition to addiction, which means that their bodies cannot process drugs well.
In addition, some people may have a family history of addiction, which increases their chances of becoming addicted themselves. What’s more, some people are exposed to drugs at an early age, which can lead to addiction. Others may use drugs to cope with stress or trauma. Addiction is a serious problem with devastating consequences, no matter what its cause may be. There is help available if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction. Recovery is possible. Many resources are available.
Factors Believed to Cause Drug Addiction
Many factors can contribute to addiction, including genetics, environment, and mental health. According to scientists, addiction results from a combination of these factors, so there is no single “addiction gene.” Family history may also contribute to addiction. You may be more likely to develop an addiction if someone in your family has struggled with addiction. Although addiction isn’t inevitable, some people may be more susceptible to developing it than others.
The environment in which someone lives can also contribute to addiction. Addiction may be more likely to develop if someone is exposed to drugs or alcohol at a young age. As the brain develops during adolescence and early adulthood, exposure to drugs or alcohol can increase the risk of addiction. Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression can also contribute to addiction. Mentally ill individuals may use drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms. Addiction can spiral into a spiral of substance abuse and mental health problems.
Addiction is a Complex Mental Disease
Even though we know so much about addiction, there’s still so much we don’t know about it, too. The truth is there are a lot of myths about addiction, but the most relevant thing to remember is that addiction is a disease and not a choice. There is no simple way for people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol to stop using them if they try to exercise extreme self-discipline.
In many cases, quitting on one’s own without the help of a professional can make the problem worse. There are many physiological aspects of addiction, such as intense withdrawal symptoms, which prevent someone from quitting cold turkey. In fact, withdrawal symptoms without medical treatment and supervision can even become life-threatening. It is estimated that there are a large number of people with addiction who have tried to control their use but have not been successfully relying on willpower alone.
Doctors and Therapists Know How to Treat It
Although we still do not fully understand all the causal factors of the disease of addiction, we have a considerable understanding about treatment. There is no doubt that the right treatment and support can and do help people recover from addiction. Both the structure and the function of the brain are affected by addiction.
Despite their desire to stop using drugs or alcohol, people with addictions find it difficult to control their use. Still, people with addiction can learn to manage these changes and live healthy, productive lives with the help of treatment. The disease of addiction can be treated if you or someone you know suffers from it. With the right help, recovery is possible.
Proven Treatment Models
Many treatment models have been proven to be effective and can be used. A combination of counseling, medication, and support groups is often used by people who are recovering from addiction. Many people find significant benefits in 12-step programs such as Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous.
These programs can provide structure and support in addition to helping with recovery. While recovery is a process, there may be setbacks along the way. If you are struggling with addiction, don’t give up hope – help is available.
Our counselors can guide you or someone you care about to find the right treatment plans. If you need assistance, please call us at 833.970.2054.
