Most people believe that the addicted are those who lack willpower or the basic moral principles, every human should have in society.
They lack the understanding that addiction is more of a psychological problem, a disease that requires treatment. Frequent substance use affects the brain and changes the systemic pattern, challenging the self-control of the user.
Addiction is a disorder often characterized by an uncontrollable urge to use certain substances despite harmful consequences.
It doesn’t come with a first or second use as those are often voluntary however, the more the intake, the closer the risk. Although there is no specific generic reason why people get addicted, some factors have been linked as influencers of addiction.
It is the combination of these factors that determine the chances a person has of addiction. The higher the risk factor, the greater the chance and vice versa. Putting that into consideration, here are four reasons why people get addicted:
- Genetic factors:
It relates to the genes a person is born with and it is necessary because it explains half of a person’s risk of addiction. Some genes are more resistant to substance use than others so, with the former, addiction will be less likely than the latter.
- Peer pressure:
Peer pressure is an environmental factor that could lead to a person getting addicted. Even though common among adolescents, it is not limited to them because the influence of friends is no respecter of age or status.
Moving with a circle of friends who use substances can create an atmosphere for someone to try indulging.
- Health factors:
A person suffering from a health condition could start using drugs as a coping mechanism for the symptoms. In cases where the symptoms prolong, the drugs will continue to be in use with the amount increased to achieve the desired effects.
- Developmental factors:
Using drugs at an early stage puts a person at risk of becoming an addict in later years. Compared to an adult brain, drug abuse can have a more detrimental effect on the developing brain.