What are the Causes of Drug Abuse?
Numerous factors can lead to the development of drug addiction, much like other mental health issues. The primary contributors of drug addiction are:
- Environment
Your surroundings play a significant role in initial drug experimentation. Family views, attitudes towards substances, and the influence of friends who use drugs can significantly impact an individual’s decision to try drugs. - Genetics
The progression from trying drugs to becoming addicted can also be influenced by genetic factors. Certain genetic traits may make individuals more susceptible to addiction, affecting how quickly they may develop the condition.
Addiction can lead to physical alterations in the brain. Frequent use of substances can modify how the brain experiences pleasure, with drugs causing changes to nerve cells in the brain. These changes can last well beyond the period of active drug use, emphasising the lasting impact of substance abuse on brain structure and function.
Risk Factors
Drug addiction can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or social status. However, several factors can influence the likelihood and speed of addiction development:
Family history
Addiction is more prevalent in some families, indicating a genetic component to risk. If you have a close relative, such as a sibling or parent, who struggles with substance abuse, your risk of addiction increases.
Mental health disorder
Individuals with mental health conditions, such as depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are more prone for drug addiction. Drugs might be used as a coping mechanism, potentially worsening the mental health condition.Peer pressure
The influence of peers can be a significant factor in beginning to use drugs, especially among younger people.Lack of family involvement
A challenging home environment or lack of connections with family members can raise the risk of addiction. Parental supervision plays a crucial role in preventing drug use.
Early use
Starting drug use at a young age can affect brain development, making an individual more likely to develop an addiction.
Taking highly addictive drugs
Certain substances, like stimulants, cocaine, or opioid painkillers, are more likely to lead to addiction. The method of drug use (smoking or injecting) can also play a role in how quickly addiction develops. Even experimentation with perceived “light drugs” can set an individual on a path towards more serious drug use and addiction.
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Complications
The use of drugs can lead to severe and harmful short-term and long-term impacts. Engaging with certain substances poses considerable dangers, particularly when consumed in large amounts or mixed with other drugs or alcohol. Below are key examples highlighting some of these risks.
- Methamphetamine, opioids, and cocaine carry a high addiction risk and lead to various health issues in both the short and long term, such as psychotic episodes, seizures, or even fatality due to overdose. Opioid drugs specifically target the brain’s part that is responsible for managing respiratory functions, and overdosing on these can be fatal. The danger is even greater when these drugs are taken with alcohol.
- GHB and flunitrazepam, often referred to as “date rape drugs,” may induce drowsiness, confusion, and memory loss. These drugs greatly reduce one’s capacity to fend off undesired advances and to recall the event. In high doses, they can lead to seizures, coma, and death, especially when combined with alcohol.
- MDMA, known as molly or ecstasy, affects the body’s ability to regulate its temperature. An extreme increase in temperature can lead to the failure of the liver, kidneys, or heart, resulting in death. Additional risks include acute dehydration, which can provoke seizures. Over the long term, MDMA has the potential to inflict lasting damage on the brain.
- A notable risk with club drugs is that their street forms, whether liquid, pill, or powder they often contain unknown substances that can be harmful, including substances that are illegally manufactured or pharmaceutical drugs.
- The inherently toxic nature of inhalants means that users are at risk of developing brain damage of varying degrees of severity. A single exposure can sometimes result in sudden death.
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Other Life-Changing Complications
Dependence on drugs can lead to several severe and harmful consequences, including:
- Getting an infectious disease
Individuals addicted to drugs have a higher chance of catching infectious diseases, such as HIV, from unsafe sexual practices or sharing needles with others. - Other health problems
Addiction to drugs can cause a variety of short-term and long-term mental and physical health issues, which vary depending on the drug used. - Accidents
Drug addiction increases the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviours, such as driving while under the influence, which can lead to accidents. - Suicide
Drug addiction is associated with a higher rate of suicide compared to individuals who do not use drugs. - Family problems
Changes in behaviour due to drug use can lead to conflicts in relationships or with family, including issues over child custody. - Work issues
Using drugs can negatively affect one’s performance at work, leading to frequent absences and the eventual risk of unemployment. - Problems at school
Drug use negatively impacts students’ academic performance and their motivation to succeed in their studies. - Legal issues
Drug users often face legal challenges, which can include being arrested for possession or purchase of illegal drugs, theft to support their addiction, driving while intoxicated, or child custody disputes. - Financial problems
The cost of sustaining a drug habit can divert funds from other necessities, lead to financial debt, and result in engaging in illegal or unethical actions to obtain money for drugs.
FREE Drug Addiction Assessment
If you or a loved one are struggling with drug addiction, our professionals are ready to offer compassionate help and support. Our addiction specialists will help you uncover the deep-seated reasons and conditions that may be fuelling your drug addiction.
This crucial step will enable us to guide you towards adopting more effective coping strategies, initiating your path to a brighter, healthier future.
Our highly trained advisers are available to speak to you right away, simply call 0808 252 3379 today.
We can discuss your concerns in complete confidence, explore the options for treatment, and help you to understand what will work best for you.
We’ll also help you to book your free drug addiction assessment there and then, with appointments usually available within only a few days.
We understand that taking the first step can be the most difficult, but we’re here to support – with no pressure or judgement.
Professional and compassionate help is just a phone call or click away.
