Drug and alcohol addiction can be a difficult thing to overcome. Millions of people suffer from this condition around the world. What causes drug and alcohol addiction in the first place? Why do some people become addicted while others don’t?
Addiction has been negatively impacting the lives of many. The numbers are high enough to warrant government and insurance companies to invest in drug and alcohol rehab programs. In this blog article, we will explore what causes drug and alcohol addiction and how you can overcome it.
What is addiction?
Addiction is a relapsing mental health condition that is defined by the physical and emotional dependency upon substances like drugs, alcohol or tobacco. It is a chronic condition involving reward, motivation, and memory. People who suffer from this disorder will often continue their toxic habit no matter how alcohol and drug addiction affects family members or even themselves. Often, alcohol or drug addiction affects how people perceive and act.
Overcoming addiction is not as simple as just quitting the substance. It is often a battle that requires professional help and guidance. There are many different types of rehab programs available to those who need it.
Statistics on Drug Abuse in the USA
Drug addiction is a serious problem in the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 48 million people aged 12 and above have used illegal drugs in their lifetime. This number represents 19 percent of the population.
NIDA also reports that every day, more than 115 people die after overdosing on opioids. In 2017, almost 47,000 people died from overdoses involving opioids. This number is more than six times the number of deaths in 1999.
Statistics on Alcohol Abuse in the USA
Illegal drugs are not the only substances that people can become addicted to. Alcohol is also a common addiction. In fact, according to NIDA, about 88,000 people die from alcohol-related causes every year. That number includes deaths from car accidents, liver disease, and other health problems.
In the United States, about 15 million adults suffer from alcohol use disorder. This number represents about six percent of the adult population in the country.
How does addiction start?
There is no one answer to this question as addiction can develop in different ways for different people. For some, it might start with peer pressure or curiosity. For others, they might turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with a difficult life event.
Whatever the case may be, it is important to understand that addiction is a serious condition that should not be taken lightly. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, reach out for help. There are many resources available to those who need it.
HEAL Behavioral Health’s West Palm Beach Treatment Center
Early signs of Addiction
The longer the addiction is, the harder it is to quit. Any kind of substance use disorder is better caught of on the early stage. Most of the time, addicts have started to show certain behaviors or red flags that would indicate addiction even before they realize it themselves.
Some early signs of addiction include:
- neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
- withdrawing from friends and activities
- changes in eating or sleeping habits
- using substances even when it is risky to do
- changes in mood or behavior
- withdrawing from friends and activities
- neglecting responsibilities
- struggling to control use of substances
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to reach out for help. Addiction is a serious condition that can have devastating consequences if left untreated.
The link between mental health disorders and addiction
The relationship between addiction and mental health can be very complex. Nearly half a million Americans experience substance abuse in their lifetimes. Mental illness could cause alcoholism or drug use. I’m in a state where alcohol is used for recreational activities. In contrast to drug use substance abuse may lead to psychological disorders. The same environmental and genetic factors are also present in these situations.
Almost 9 million people worldwide suffer from a combination of alcohol and/or drugs. These symptoms are commonly associated with co-occurring disorders. Both problems may exist prior to each other. For example, it is possible to suffer from depression or take drugs to get better that often lead to dependence.
Causes of Addiction
There is no definitive answer to what causes drug and alcohol addiction. It often develops as a result of a combination of factors. Some people have higher chances for addiction as some people have cancer or diabetes. This is due to certain addiction risk factors that they may have. Statistically speaking, the higher the risk for drug addiction, the greater your potential for addiction. Both risk factors and protection factors can exist both biologically and environmentally.
Genetic factors
Genetic and addictive effects are strongly linked. Some people are simply more likely to develop an addiction than others due to their genes. This is due to their genes and brain chemistry.
Research suggests a heritability rate (a statistical measure accounting for peoples gene’s variation) of 30% to 70% depending on substance abuse. For example, if your father has been struggling with an addiction then your likelihood of using drugs is double those of someone not having similar genetic links. While the research has not yet identified one particular addiction gene, researchers believe that many people have genetic influences.
Environment and drug addiction
If you grow up in a household where drug or alcohol abuse is present, you may be more likely to develop an addiction yourself. This is due to the fact that you are more likely to be exposed to drugs and alcohol at an early age.
Environmental conditions have a big impact on an addict and it impacts the way we behave. Environmental factors which can affect drug addiction can be the following:
- Family relations
- Stressful life events
- Access to drugs
- Availability of drug dealers
- Peer pressure
- Cultural influences
Economic Status
Is economic status linked with addiction?
The answer is yes. It has been found that people who live in poverty are more likely to develop an addiction. This is because their living conditions are more likely to be stressful than those at the top of the society. Availability of other coping mechanisms are also relatively limited.
Psychological Factors
If you suffer from a mental health disorder, you may be more likely to develop an addiction. This is because many people self-medicate with drugs or alcohol in order to cope with their mental health issues.
Some of the mental health conditions which are commonly linked with substance use disorder are:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Trauma
Stressful life events can also lead to mental health issues, which in turn can lead to addiction. For example, if you have experienced a traumatic event, such as abuse or neglect, you may be more likely to develop an addiction.
It’s important to remember that not everyone who suffers from a mental health disorder will develop an addiction. And not everyone who develops an addiction has a mental health disorder. However, there is a strong link between the two. That’s why these risk factors does not exactly answer what causes drug and alcohol addiction in the same way how certain viruses causes a specific illness. If you think you may be struggling with a mental health disorder, it’s important to seek professional help.
What addiction does to the brain
In this part of the article, we will discuss some technical aspects of addiction and what it actually does to the brain that make a substance addicting.
When a person takes a drug, it alters their brain chemistry. This change in brain chemistry is what causes the person to feel different and can lead to addiction. The changes that occur in the brain are usually temporary, but repeated drug use can cause permanent changes.
The most common way that drugs alter the brain is by affecting neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that send messages between nerve cells. Drugs can either increase or decrease the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. This change in neurotransmitter levels can lead to changes in mood, behavior, and other functions.
Some drugs, like alcohol and nicotine, mimic the action of neurotransmitters. This makes them especially addictive because they trick the brain into thinking that they are actually needed. Other drugs, like heroin and cocaine, increase the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. This can lead to a feeling of euphoria, which is why these drugs are often abused.
Overcoming Addiction
Alcoholism and drug dependence is not an end-all sentence. With the right mindset, professional help and support, it is very possible to recover.
There are many different treatment options available for addiction, and the best course of action will vary from person to person. Treatment typically includes a combination of the following:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Medication
- Medical detox
- Inpatient rehab
- Outpatient rehab
- Aftercare programs
Luxury Rehab Center
A kind of substance abuse treatment center worth noting that has been gaining popularity nowadays is a luxury rehabilitation center. What separates a luxury rehab from other types of addiction treatment centers is that they provide their clients with upscale accommodations and amenities not typically found in other rehabs.
Luxury rehabs offer a higher level of privacy and individualized care than traditional rehab centers. They also tend to have smaller clientele, which allows for more one-on-one attention from therapists and counselors.
Luxury rehab centers are often located in beautiful settings, such as near the beach or in the mountains. This can provide a peaceful and healing environment for those in recovery.
If you’re considering entering a luxury rehab center for treatment, contact Heal Treatment Center – a qualified center in Florida that
can help you recover from all types of substance abuse disorder. They also honor health insurance. Contact them to know how much does health insurance pay for drug rehab in their facility.
Conclusion
Addiction is a complex issue with many causes. The best way to answer what causes drug and alcohol addiction is to discuss its risk factors. Genes, environment, economic status, and other psychological disorders may increase the chances of a person to suffer from drug and alcohol abuse. However, it is important to note that this mental health disorder is avoidable and recovery is possible.
Addiction is a serious disease that can have lasting effects on your health, relationships, and finances. If you think you may be struggling with an addiction, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. There are many treatment options available, and with the right support, you can overcome addiction and lead a healthy and happy life. Contact Heal Treatment Center today. They offer a variety of treatment options and our experienced staff can help you find the path to recovery.
