Drug addiction doesn't just apply to illegal street drugs. It can apply to prescription medications as well. As the Mayo Clinic explains, drug abuse/addiction is the uncontrollable use of any drug that your body craves, regardless of the negative consequences it may have. Knowing the risk factors may help prevent your risk of developing an addiction.
An Inherited Addiction
Drug addiction appears to run in certain families, likely involving many genes according to the Mayo Clinic. Should you have a blood relative such as a parent, grandparent or sibling who suffers from a drug or alcohol addiction, you are at a greater risk for developing the addiction yourself.
In some cases, addiction may be due to influence. Those whose parents smoke are more likely to smoke than those whose parents don't. And those whose parents have a problem with alcohol are more likely to have that same problem, according to Drug Addiction Support, a site designed to assist people addicted to drugs as well as their families. The same theory holds true for drug addiction.
Psychological Problems
Those with psychological problems such as depression, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder, are more susceptible to drug abuse and addiction than those who do not have these same disorders.
Drug Addiction Support explains that those who lack confidence and a healthy self-esteem may also be at greater risk for a drug addiction. Drug addiction can cause negative changes in one's personality that can that can lead to even more destructive behavior normally seen in those suffering from the above mentioned personality disorders.
Peer Pressure
Anyone can suffer from peer pressure, from teens to adults, although teens seem to be more prone to it than others. Kids have a strong desire to fit in, and using drugs is considered a social action to fulfill this desire. While drugs may be something teens would normally avoid, out of desperation, they may be willing to try anything to make friends. Over time, this may lead to an addiction.
Peer pressure exits among adults as well. Drug Addiction Support states that adults possess just as much of a desire to fit in as teens do; to be accepted and belong to the popular group. This may be taking a drink at a party, or trying an illicit substance. In the end, either of these acts may result in addiction in an effort to keep the friends this person has made.
Feelings of Loneliness
Feeling lonely can lead to depression, and to numb the pain and feel good, a person may turn to drugs. Even though the feelings the drugs produce only last for a short period of time, to those who feel hopeless, the short-term feelings of happiness are better than nothing at all.
Easy Access
Drug abuse and addiction affects all ages, races and economic groups. For this reason, they are easy to access, and easy access leads to easy abuse and addiction. Once addicted, a person will sell to whoever will buy--generally to have money for more of the drugs they want for themselves. The most vulnerable of customers are children.
Drugs can be found everywhere, from schools, to shopping malls, to job sites including offices and factories. While this may sound redundant, the best way to stop drug abuse and addiction is educate your children and "just say no."
