Millions of people in the United States struggle with substance abuse and addiction. Substance use disorders (SUD) are complex conditions. Understanding the complex roots of drug and alcohol addiction can help people get the tailored, comprehensive treatment they need to overcome it.
This article will explore some of the underlying causes of addiction. You will learn:
- Some factors that may lead to addiction
- How to recognize the signs of substance abuse and addiction
- How to treat addiction
- Where to find comprehensive addiction treatment
If you or someone you love struggle with addiction, you can find treatment at Artchstone Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn about our holistic treatment and recovery support programs.
What are the Underlying Causes of Addiction?
Understanding addiction and its causes can be challenging. Each person has a unique journey with addiction and recovery, and no two people follow the same path.
However, there are some factors that may increase the likelihood of someone developing substance use disorder (SUD).
Trauma
Trauma is an emotional response to a terrifying or highly stressful event. Some people who experience trauma, including childhood trauma, develop a condition called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms of PTSD may include:
- Flashbacks of the event
- Chronic stress
- Nightmares
- Avoidance of things, people, or places related to the traumatic event
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Anger
These symptoms can be highly disruptive and distressing. People who do not have the skills or support to cope with these symptoms are more likely to use addictive substances for relief. This can lead to alcohol and drug addiction.
Stress
Stress is part of every person’s life. Stress can come from a variety of factors, such as traffic during the morning commute or an argument with a loved one. People can typically manage these stressors and move on.
However, intense or chronic stress can overwhelm a person’s coping abilities. Financial stressors, poverty, ongoing community violence, and other stressors can cause intense, long-lasting stress. People who live with stress levels that exceed their coping abilities may be more likely to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.
Co-occurring mental health disorders
Living with a mental illness and addiction is known as a “dual diagnosis.” Co-occurring mental health and SUD can be more challenging to treat. However, specialized treatment programs can help people stop using drugs and alcohol. These programs also teach people how to manage their mental health symptoms.
Family history
Addiction researchers believe family history and genetics may play a role in a person’s risk for SUD. Research shows people who have close family members with addiction may be more likely to develop substance abuse and addiction.
Experts have several theories about how family history can impact a person’s risk of developing SUD. They believe people’s genetics may affect their brains’ reward centers, which can affect their likelihood of engaging in addiction behaviors.
Many experts believe that a family history of addiction doesn’t necessarily mean someone will develop SUD. Most agree that genetics, family history, and environmental factors may affect a person’s level of risk.
Pain
People with pain from injuries, medication conditions, or surgery may use prescription opioid painkillers to manage it. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), people who use opioids may develop physical dependence on them. This can occur even when people take them as prescribed.
Prescription opioids affect parts of the brain related to reward, pleasure, emotional regulation, and pain control. People may experience pleasurable side effects, including euphoria while taking them. This can lead to abuse. Abusing opioids for a short period may lead to addiction.
Once someone develops opioid dependence, it can be very challenging to overcome it. Most people require intensive treatment and ongoing support to safely stop using opioids and prevent relapse.
Recognizing and Treating Addiction
No matter what leads to drug and alcohol addiction, treatment is critical. Seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of addiction.
Some of the signs of addiction include:
- Needing to use more of a substance to get the desired effects
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using a substance
- Having cravings for drugs or alcohol
- Taking risks while using substances, such as driving high or having unprotected sex
- Neglecting your responsibilities
- Having legal, financial, or social problems related to your substance use
- Wanting to cut back or stop using a substance but finding that it is challenging
Comprehensive addiction treatment programs offer therapies that address the roots of an addiction. Treatment plans include mental health care, medical support, education, and other evidence-based therapies. These therapies effectively address the physical, emotional, and behavioral roots of substance abuse.
Find Addiction Treatment Now
If you or a loved one struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Compassionate, effective treatment is available at Archstone Behavioral Health. Learn more about our programs or schedule an intake appointment by contacting our intake team today.
References:
- Science Direct: The association between type of trauma, level of exposure and addiction
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Chronic Stress, Drug Use, and Vulnerability to Addiction
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Mental Health and Substance Use Co-Occurring Disorders
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Family history of substance use disorders: Significance for mental health in young adults who gamble
- Science Direct: Common Brain Mechanisms of Chronic Pain and Addiction
