Research has now been established to support a three-factor standard for vulnerability to drug addiction that includes: genetic factors, environmental factors, and repeated exposure. Addiction, however, can rarely be attributed to just one cause, and it is important to consider the various factors that may work together to contribute to addiction. Read on to find out more about four major causes of addiction and how to identify, prevent and cope with addiction.

1. Genetics

The link between genetics and addiction remains a topic of strong debate. Reports have found that 40% to 60% of predisposition to addiction is a result of genetics, and furthermore, that the children of individuals who suffer from addiction have a 25% greater likelihood to also develop addiction compared to children of non-addicted parents. Researchers are actively searching for an addiction gene, but it seems more likely that familial trends towards addiction are the result of environmental factors like exposure and normalisation of drug use.

Gender is also one of the potential causes of addiction or at least predisposition to addiction. While men have generally been found to have higher rates of addiction than women, a recent study presented by the American Psychological Association suggests that there are other key differences worth investigating. This study found that although women begin using substances at much smaller dosages than men, however, their drug use escalates into addiction much more rapidly than for men. Women also face a higher rate of relapse than men and are more prone to mood and anxiety disorders, and therefore, addiction.

2. Environment

The Nature vs. Nurture argument is relevant to addiction as well. While genetic predisposition is possible although has not been conclusively determined, the environment in which we were raised and continue to thrive in has a huge impact on mental and physical well-being and therefore, is one of the major causes of addiction.

If drug use is common in the home, an individual may become desensitised to it or normalise it. If positive results of drug use are witnessed by children (euphoria, partying, having fun, etc.), they come to understand that using drugs leads to happiness and will naturally want to repeat this behaviour. The other side of the coin can be equally as problematic, however, in that if children experience negative effects of drug use (abuse, unemployment, damaged relationships, etc.) they may become depressed or anxious and turn to drugs as a coping mechanism due to their availability.

3. Our Brain and Body

Thus far we have discussed various genetic, environmental, and social influences that may contribute to the causes of addiction, but we can not ignore the role the brain and body play in the disease of addiction. Whenever you eat, have sex, or partake in any activity that contributes to survival, the brain is flooded with dopamine.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger that signals to the brain that what you are doing is good and should be repeated. Drugs cause dopamine to be unnaturally released. When an individual continues to take a drug, the brain will be overwhelmed by the surges of dopamine and subsequently start producing less and less of it on its own. This is the start of physical dependency – a condition in which the user has overridden his or her natural dopamine factory and now needs to continue taking the drug in order to produce dopamine.

Withdrawal is also another bodily effect of drug use that may cause a person to get and remain hooked on a substance. It is the body’s way of saying, Hey! You told me I needed this for survival (not true) and now I’m going to do everything I can to make you keep using it The time it takes for the onset of withdrawal is different for everybody. As a starting point, for most, heroin withdrawal begins within 12 hours of the last dose and can last a week to up to a few months, while alcohol withdrawal usually begins between eight and thirty-six hours after drinking and usually lasts a few weeks.

4. Our Support Systems and Treatment Experiences

The final factor that may be named as one of the causes of addiction is our support systems and personal experiences with addiction treatment. Our support systems and personal experiences relating to drug treatment are less of a root cause of addiction and more of a propellant for addiction or relapse.

Many people who become addicted to drugs may have or develop strained relationships with friends and family. This lack of a reliable support system may cause the person to launch into depression, making drugs feel like the only true friendin their lives. Other individuals may have attempted recovery before and had negative experiences such as uncomfortable withdrawals or a lack of proper treatment regarding co-occurring disorders, therefore have relapsed and seen themselves as having failed at recovery, and as a result, they fall right back into the cycle of addiction.

Get Help at The Dawn Drug Rehab Thailand

Our staff at The Dawn understand that poor support systems and negative experiences relating to addiction treatment can become one of the reasons why individuals find it difficult to escape from addiction. This is why our team is well-equipped to handle your recovery with a world-class detox centre where clients can safely and comfortably detox from alcohol or substances. After detox is complete, clients will be ready to participate in our rehabilitation programme where alcohol or drug addiction, along with other mental health issues will be addressed and treated.

Don’t allow negative experiences regarding addiction treatment be an obstacle to your or loved ones recovery. Break the cycle and contact The Dawn today for a free consultation.