Did you know that in the United States, 40 million people suffered from substance use disorder?
It can be difficult if you’ve grown up in a family that suffers from drug addiction. You might be afraid of developing the same addictive disorder.
Are you wondering how to find out if you’re at risk of beginning to struggle with substance abuse? Continue reading below to learn all about the main causes of substance abuse, so you can recognize the signs and protect yourself.
Table of Contents
Family History of Substance Abuse
A family history of substance abuse is one of the leading causes of alcoholism. Substance abuse is a more common problem among family members in which one or more individuals have a history of substance abuse.
This increases the risk of a person abusing drugs and alcohol. This is due to living in an environment where substance abuse is accepted as the norm.
A family member abusing drugs and alcohol can cause emotional trauma. It can directly result in the individual developing substance abuse in the future.
The direct influence of family members can lead to an increased risk for substance abuse. Family members engaging in substance abuse and not providing the appropriate support or guidance can result in a person continuing to use. This can also lead to exceeding the level of substance abuse.
Peer Pressure
Teens are particularly vulnerable to the pressure of their peers who may be engaging in activities they may not otherwise consider. For example, research suggests that teens are more likely to try smoking if their friends or family members have smoked.
Some teens may be influenced by their peers to experiment with drugs or alcohol. This type of peer pressure may lead teens to start using substances without fully understanding the risks associated with them, leading to substance abuse.
Easy Access to Drugs and Alcohol
A substance abuse problem can often occur when individuals have easy access to such products. It allows them to use it in large quantities or at a faster rate than expected with limited or monitored access.
The widespread availability of substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and drugs has resulted in greater community consumption.
Mental Health Struggles
Mental health struggles, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, have long been linked. When people are feeling depressed, anxious, or simply not in a good mental space, they may be more likely to turn to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs to cope with their emotions.
Substance abuse can lead to an increase in stress, anxiety, and depression. This vicious cycle can leave people feeling stuck and without a way out.
Poor Coping Skills
When an individual has poor coping skills, they are less likely to handle stress, anxiety, or other emotions healthily. Rather than addressing the underlying emotional distress, the individual may turn to substance use to temporarily ease the emotional pain.
Poor coping skills can also lead to relying on substances to fit in with certain groups or to deal with traumatic life events. That’s why you need to check out substance abuse treatment with recovering professionals program that can help you deal with this addiction.
Know the Causes of Substance Abuse
Substance abuse has become an alarming issue globally. Each individual displays various reasons and challenges. Causes of substance abuse are biological changes, environmental factors, mental health, and a sense of lack of control.
It is essential to recognize the underlying issues and provide an environment of support and resources for individuals struggling with substance abuse.
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