What Are The Causes of Drug Abuse?

Drug abuse can begin for a variety of reasons. If you’re worried that you may be on the path to addiction or a loved one is showing signs of addiction, knowing some of the causes of drug abuse can be a first step in seeking help. When you’re ready to reach out, contact Myrtle Beach Recovery to learn more about our short- and long-term recovery programs.

Biological Factors

Addiction is a disease, and just like with any other disease, some people are more prone and affected than others. When using a substance, some feel more pleasurable effects and have less impulse control, making them likely to return back to the drug. Others may not experience the same rush of the high and are better at resisting temptation.

Medical Conditions

Sometimes, addiction can begin from seeking assistance for a medical condition. Opioids are highly addictive and are often written to combat pain. The patient may initially begin to use the drug as intended, but after experiencing its effects, they may go to great lengths to get the drug again.

However, with the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act in place, there are now more regulations for writing opioid prescriptions and it is much easier to monitor if someone is trying to get opioid prescriptions from multiple doctors.

Experimentation

Teens and young adults are at high risk for experimenting with addictive substances. Societal pressures to drink and/or peer pressure from friends to try other drugs can be the starting point to later becoming addicted. Plus, drug use is often glamorized and normalized in movies and TV shows, which can make these groups more curious and less afraid of trying a substance.

Depression & Anxiety

Those struggling with mental health conditions may turn to a substance to escape negative feelings. With such powerful and pleasurable effects, they may feel that the drug is the only thing brings them happiness and/or relief. Experiencing this effect even once can certainly be enough to encourage someone to return to the drug again, especially if they are struggling.

Trauma

Similarly to depression and anxiety as a cause, those who undergo some sort of trauma may turn to substances to mask their pain. Trauma can be anything from losing a loved one to abuse. In an effort to escape reality, drugs become an easy and quick fix from life’s problems. This is a slippery and tempting path to go down that is likely to lead to addiction.

Consider Myrtle Beach Recovery

Knowing some of the potential causes of drug abuse can help you recognize in yourself and in others when addiction may arise or is occurring. If you have become addicted or are struggling to maintain your sobriety, consider reaching out to Myrtle Beach Recovery. We offer short-term and long-term recovery programs, providing a safe place to work through the 12 Steps.

/by clickgiant