Substance abuse occurs when a person uses drugs or alcohol despite continued negative effects such as job loss, trouble with the law, relationship problems and financial problems. When a person is abusing a substance, he may still have some ability to stop using when necessary, though it may be extremely difficult. Many factors can contribute to an increase in substance abuse.
Family
If other members in the abusers family have or had problems with substance abuse or addiction, the likelihood that she will battle this problem increases. HelpGuide.org reports that a family history of substance abuse is a risk factor that contributes to a person's increase risk of substance abuse.
Mood Disorder
At times, a person who suffers from a mood disorder such as depression, bipolar disorder and/or anxiety disorder may also engage in substance abuse, notes HelpGuide.org. These people may use the substance as a way to self-medicate and reduce their symptoms. Drugs and/or alcohol may provide relief for the person when he first begins taking it, but the substance may actually increase and perpetuate the symptoms of the disorder. This may cause the person to have to continuously increase the amount of drugs or alcohol that he uses.
Social Pressure
According to the MayoClinic.com, peer pressure is likely to increase the chances that a person---particularly teens---will abuse drugs and/or alcohol. If person spends the majority of her time with a group of people who abuse drugs and alcohol, she will be more likely to begin using and abusing a substance herself. The pressure she feels from her peer group to fit-in and be accepted contributes to her increased risk of substance abuse.
Trauma and Stress
The intensity of stress and traumatic events, such as those experienced by war veterans, may increase the likelihood of engaging in substance abuse. HelpGuide.org notes that in order to cope with the pressures or aftermath of combat situations, a war veteran may begin abusing drugs and/or alcohol.
Socio-economic Status
Drug or alcohol abuse can be affected by socio-economic status. MayoClinic.com reports that poverty is a factor that contributes to substance abuse. A person in an impoverished situation may abuse drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with the dangerous environment she lives in, a way to deal with her financial stresses or a way to cope with physical or emotional abuse. Many times, drugs and alcohol are easily accessible in impoverished neighborhoods where some people actually sell drugs in hopes of overcoming poverty.
