Factors That Influence People to Addiction Risks

Currently, there is no easy way to predict who is likely to develop compulsive drug abuse or addiction risks. Drug addiction is a multi-faceted condition originating from many factors that are directly related to the exposure of an addictive agent. Below are various factors that influence people into developing risks to addiction.

Biological Factors

• Genes

Although genetic estimations differ, researchers find that hereditary factors cause about half the risk of acquiring a substance use disorder and addiction. For instance, one factor associated with vulnerability is variation in a gene that regulates the structure of brain receptors such as the dopamine neurotransmitter. The other factor is the nature of the hormones reaction to stress in the body.

• Physiological factors

People with alcohol use disorder have variations in liver enzymes that break down the substance, which can influence some into alcoholism.

• Gender

Men are more likely to get substance use disorders than women. However, the supposed gender gap may be limiting for alcohol disorders, and women are highly exposed to intoxication consequences at lower consumption of alcohol doses.

Psychological Factors

• Trauma and abuse

Early exposure to adverse and distressing events can contribute to the development of substance use disorders. Moreover, trauma and abuse can overwhelm a person’s coping ability, possibly by triggering brain passages that lead to suffering, or by contributing to stressful burdens.

• Personality factors

People who display impulsive and sensation-seeking behaviors are associated with substance use disorders. Also, impulsive habits have high risks of relapse to addiction.

• Mental health  factors

Some mental health sicknesses such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, among others, can increase the risks of developing drugs addiction. Additionally, conditions that involve strong emotions raise the likelihood of using drugs as a mistaken form of providing relief.

Environmental Addiction Risks Factors

• Family factors

Although statistics indicate that healthy relationships in families have better chances of protection against substance use disorders, some qualities of family functioning or conditions can add to addiction risks.

If a family has a parent or a sibling with an addictive disorder, drug addiction risks increase too. Poor-quality or unsettled parent to children relationships and family troubles such as divorce also intensify addiction risks.  Other factors include sexual and emotional abuse.

• Accessibility factors

If drug abusers get easy access to alcohol or other drugs in their home, workplace, and school, they are more likely to have increased risks of frequent use.

• Peer group

Many people are persuasively influenced by their friends’ actions and any habits that involve social interaction. Teenagers and youth are particularly at high risk since they prefer to live a happy social life through alcohol and addiction.

However, a group involving positive social relationships can effectively protect against drug abuse and addiction risks.

• Employment status

People who have stable jobs and excellent employment skills may get monetary rewards that can moderate drug addiction risks. However, poverty and financial challenges often lead to substance use disorders.

Final Thoughts from the Recover

If you or your loved ones are struggling with drug addiction or vulnerable to its risks, you can check on our online list of drug rehabs near you to address the issue.  Also, these centers provide different treatment options and therapies to improve recovery from various substance use disorders.