Chemical dependency is a growing health and social problem. Chemicals of abuse include both illegal substances, such as heroin or cocaine, and legal substances, such as alcohol and drugs prescribed by your doctor. Many of these substances can be mind-altering, i.e., you get "high," but some, such as tobacco, do not noticeably affect your reasoning capacity.
According to The Ohio State University Medical Center, substance-related disorders include substance abuse, substance dependence and chemical dependence, which is described as the compulsive use of chemicals and the inability to stop using them on your own.
Environmental Causes
When you are young, your environment can play a huge role in whether you experiment with chemical substances and whether you abuse them. However, it can be difficult to predict a young person's reaction to living with parents who use and abuse substances. Some children go on to mimic their parents' actions in regard to substances, while others shy away from any use because they have seen the effects.
With teens, peer pressure is an important factor. It is normal for a teen to want to belong to their chosen peer group and they may give in to pressure to experiment with substances. Such use may end with one experiment or can go on to become a problem, especially if the peer group encourages routine use.
Heredity
Abuse and addiction often run in families. Of course, being raised by a parent who abuses chemical substances is a dysfunctional situation in itself and can contribute to use and abuse of substances. However, researchers believe there may be a genetic component.
For example, the U.S. Office of Technology Assessment's report titled "Biological Components of Substance Abuse and Addiction" reports that animal studies indicate the numbers of dopamine-containing neurons and receptors in certain brain areas affect the animals' sensitivity to cocaine. However, the report emphasizes that the presence of a genetic component does not guarantee addiction nor does the absence of one protect a person from it.
Changes in the Brain
According to MayoClinic.com, repeated substance use can cause physical changes to neurons in the brain. This alters the way your brain feels pleasure. Some drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, cause this physical addiction faster than others.
Because it can be dangerous to attempt withdrawal from alcohol and drugs on your own, seek medical help to overcome your addiction. Detoxification can involve gradually reducing the drug of abuse or using medications to minimize physical discomfort and danger during the process.
Going through detox is only the beginning. Fighting chemical dependency can be a life-long struggle. Many people have done it and are available to help through organizations such as Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous.
