Drug abuse, according to the Mayo Clinic, is considered to be a psychological disorder as it alters the pathways in the brain, physically changing the nerve cells. Certain causes of drug abuse have been identified, as have risk factors that, when recognized, may help reduce drug abuse.
Genetics
Your chances of becoming addicted to substances increases if your parents have, or have had, a drug addiction problem themselves, as stated by Drug Addiction Support. This theory explains why drug addiction is more prevalent in some families than in others. The site explains that if parents smoke or use alcohol, their children will follow in their footsteps and pick up the same habits. This holds true for drug use as well.
Peer Pressure
Peer pressure can be a strong influence in a child's life. Even if a child does not have a desire to try the drug being pushed on him at the time, he may do it just to impress those around him. Unfortunately, one time is all it takes to start the cycle of abuse and addiction. As Drug Addiction Support explains, some teens feel that drug use and abuse earns them the status of "cool" and makes them feel accepted.
Psychological Problems
The Mayo Clinic states that if one suffers from psychological problems such as stress or depression, he is at an increased risk for becoming addicted to drugs. The National Institutes of Health further explains that depression is more common in women than men, and is especially common during the teen years, although teens may not display the symptoms of adult depression. And while drug abuse may be the cause, it can also be a contributing factor, making the symptoms of depression worse.
Getting help for various psychological problems may prevent drug abuse or, at the very least, prevent the addiction from becoming worse.
Loneliness
At times, drugs present a way of numbing the pain caused by loneliness. While the drug of choice may only offer a short-term effect, for that moment the pain is gone and is replaced by feelings of happiness. However the person may not realize that the long-term effects of this short-term relief are even more devastating than the pain she is experiencing at the moment.
