|
The Causes of Addiction
There is much debate about the causes of
addiction. Because there are two components to
addiction—the physical addiction and the
psychological addiction—it is likely that many
factors create a risk for addiction. In the case
of certain drugs such as methamphetamine or
heroin, almost any individual who comes into
contact will become addicted. On the other hand,
addictive behaviors such as shopping or eating
are used moderately by the majority of the
population and only become addictions for some.
The following risk factors
are involved in developing addictions:
Genetics: It is believed that
addictions such as alcoholism may be inherited.
Individuals from families with a history of
alcoholism are more likely to develop the
disease themselves. Also, individuals from
families with a history of any kind of addiction
are more likely to develop some other form of
addiction. For example, someone from an
alcoholic family may develop a problem with
compulsive overeating or workaholism. While
environmental factors can also have influence,
individuals who have been removed from their
alcoholic parents and raised by non-addicted
individuals still show a higher risk for
developing an addiction themselves.
Environment: Children raised by
alcoholic or drug addicted parents are more
likely to view substance abuse or certain
behaviors as acceptable, making them more likely
to engage in the addiction themselves.
Individuals from countries where use of a
certain substance or engagement in an addictive
behavior are frowned upon or hard to obtain show
a much lower incidence of addiction, pointing to
possible environmental factors.
Abuse: Individuals who experienced
sexual, psychological, emotional or physical
abuse are more likely to become addicts. The
addiction becomes a coping mechanism, helping
the addict to deal with strong negative emotions
surrounding the abuse, feelings of severe low
self-esteem, and possible flashbacks.
Emotional Disorders:
Emotional disorders such as anxiety, depression,
bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress
disorder often increase the risk of substance
abuse and addictive behaviors, especially
amongst those who are misdiagnosed or
undiagnosed. Individuals often use drugs,
alcohol, food, exercise, or work as a way to
self-medicate and escape the symptoms of their
primary disorder.
The Substance: Certain substances
are more addictive than others, and risk of
full-blown addiction is higher for drugs such as
cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine because of
their ability to create dependence after just a
few uses.
Low Frustration Tolerance: One
common factor found amongst addicts of all types
is a low frustration tolerance. Addicts are
highly susceptible to the negative effects of
stress, often experiencing distress at a
relatively low level of frustration. They become
easily upset over everyday stress factors,
creating a need for escape. They find this
escape in their addiction.
These are all contributing factors as to why
addiction occurs. Overall, there is no absolute
solution when dissecting the causes behind
addiction. Today, there are many options
available to the alcoholic or drug addict who
wishes to stop and stay stopped.
By: Patrick McLemore
Go Back |
