It may begin out of curiosity. Or perhaps it's due to peer pressure. For some, it's a matter of experimenting with something new that appears exciting. All of these can lead to drug addiction, according to HelpGuide.org. The site defines addiction as a complex disorder characterized by compulsive drug use. While the beginning of addiction is the easy part, ending it is not. Knowing and recognizing the causes and risk factors may help to stop it before it starts.
A Desire to Fit In
Also known as peer pressure, trying to fit in affects both teens and adults, according to Drug Addiction Support.org. While this need is greatest during a person's teen years, these needs affect adults as well. They face the thing called "social etiquette." This results in an adult feeling as though he needs to drink or try a drug at a party when he might otherwise not drink or use drugs at all. It all comes down to the desire of belonging to the popular group, no matter how young or old a person may be.
The Genetic Factor
MayoClinic.com points out that drug addiction is more common is some families. While it may involve certain genes, children are also a product of their environment. If they watch their parents use marijuana, they may feel it is acceptable to do the same. If they watch their parents parents smoke, they may believe it is okay to begin smoking themselves. The same is true for alcohol, and so the cycle for addiction can begin.
Curiosity
As HelpGuide.org explains, some teens begin using drugs out of pure curiosity. They see their friends using certain drugs and begin wondering what all the hype is about. Out of this curiosity, a drug addiction may be born. In some cases a person only needs to try a drug one time before addiction sets in. MayoClinic.com states that drugs like heroin and cocaine cause addiction faster than other drugs. Because of this, curiosity can be a dangerous thing.
Feeling Lonely
Feeling lonely or depressed can lead to drug addiction, according to Drug Addiction Support.org. The site explains that those experiencing these feelings long to feel good, and drugs seem to provide this for them. The drugs these people they take appear to numb their mental pain, no matter how temporary the relief may be. This can lead to addiction, as they continue to turn to their drug of choice in attempts to ease the feeling of loneliness.
Inattentive Parents
Both MayoClinic.com and the National Institute on Drug Abuse agree that ineffective parenting or lack of nurturing by parents can lead to drug abuse. If parents do not monitor their children's activities, the children not only have free rein to do as they please, but the parents will also not notice the signs of drug abuse. In addition, children who suffer from a lack of nurturing may turn to drugs as a means of coping with the void their parents' neglect leaves in their lives.
