If your family has a history of drug or alcohol abuse, you may be wondering if you too will use and the role it plays in whether you will develop an addiction. There is a genetic component that affects who is more likely to abuse substances or become addicted, but family history isn’t the determining-all factor. There are other addiction risk factors that come into play and it is possible to stay away from drugs and addiction, no matter your history.
Risk Factors For Substance Abuse
Gender
Men are more likely to have issues with drugs and/or alcohol than women. However, when women use, the progression of their addiction will likely be faster than a man’s.
Peer Pressure
Having friends who are using drugs or alcohol can be a strong incentive to start doing the same types of behaviors, especially for teens and young adults.
Difficult Family Situation
If you don’t feel particularly close to your parents or siblings, or if there’s resentment or trauma, it can increase the likelihood of substance abuse.
Presence Of Another Mental Health Issue
Dealing with a mental health concern can be challenging, and many people don’t know what to do or how to properly treat their symptoms. They may not understand what is happening to them or feel frightened or confused by the symptoms. Taking drugs as a way to self-medicate can be a way to feel, “normal” or make the most concerning symptoms go away for a while.
However, when mental health disorders are not properly diagnosed and dealt with professionally, the condition can get worse, especially with drug or alcohol use, even light use.
Taking An Addictive Drug
Some drugs have the potential to create an addiction in users relatively quickly. Stimulants and painkillers fall into this category. Within a short time, tolerance can occur and a user can develop dependence then addiction and be unable to control the need for more of the drug. We urge anyone who is starting to need more of their medication or who feel like they need it longer than prescribed, to seek immediate help from their physician to prevent abuse or addiction.
Family History Of Drug Use And Addiction
Substance abuse does tend to run in families. If you have a parent, grandparent or sibling who has drug or alcohol problems, you are at greater risk of having a similar issue. This does not mean however, that you are doomed to become an addict.
Family history is one of many factors that influence whether a person develops an addiction, but it does not rob you of your free will or self-worth to choose not to start using drugs.
Get Help For Drug Or Alcohol Addiction
We’ve all done things knowing full well that they weren’t good for us. If you are concerned about your own drug or alcohol use, The Dunes East Hampton offers a safe and comfortable place where you can get addiction treatment in a professional, non-judgmental environment. Call us today to learn more about our programs.
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