Drug addiction is an overwhelming, uncontrollable need for drugs or alcohol despite the negative consequences that may follow. It can affect people of any age, sex or economic status, and while no exact cause has been determined, a variety of risk factors have been identified.
Peer Pressure
Peer pressure does not just affect teens---adults can be just as susceptible. This factor applies to anyone who is attempting to fit in; however it is most commonly seen among teens, according to Drug Addiction Support. While your teen may know that illicit drug use is dangerous and illegal, he may try drugs to feel cool and make friends.
Adults may also find peer pressure to be a problem according to Drug Addiction Support. Adults have the same desire to be accepted by their peers, and in some cases, that is accomplished through social drinking or drug use. In some circles, drugs are the way to acceptance.
Family History
As the Mayo Clinic explains, your chances of becoming addicted to drugs increases if you have one or more family members who also suffers from a drug addiction. That is especially true if the family member is a parent or sibling. Because drug addictions appear to run in some families and not in others, it appears there may be a connection in the genes.
Environmental factors may also play a role in a child's decision to use drugs, thus increasing his chances of becoming addicted. If a child is raised in an environment where he sees his parents using and abusing drugs, he may believe this is normal behavior and follow suit, just as a child who sees his parents smoking is more inclined to become a smoker, according to Drug Addiction Support.
Feelings of Depression
Those who suffer from depression or feelings of loneliness may be more inclined to become addicted to drugs, as drugs may numb the emotional pain they feel. While the drug is only a short-term fix for such a long-term problem, the person fails to view it as such and continues turning to drugs as a means of feeling better, if only for a few moments.
Lack of Parental Involvement
Teens who are left unsupervised are at an increased risk for drug addiction versus those whose parents are fully active in their lives, according to the Mayo Clinic. That may be due to a feeling of complete freedom that they full advantage of, or may be due to feeling neglected and unloved by their parents. Those feelings can result in turning to friends who lead them down the road of addiction.
Use of a Highly Addictive Drug
The Mayo Clinic states that certain drugs, such as cocaine and heroin, are highly addictive.
For some, addiction can be in the form of legal drugs, such as sleep aids and prescription medications. Addiction can take hold without the person even realizing it. What may begin as a necessity, such as painkillers prescribed after an injury or surgery, may cause dependence If you notice yourself requiring higher doses of medication to help relieve your pain, speak to your doctor about that---he may want to change your medication to prevent a problem before it begins or becomes worse.
