There are as many substances to become addicted to as there are reasons. Whether you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction as a result of physical, mental, circumstantial, or emotional factors, we can help. Addiction is a chronic and complex disease that affects the brain and occurs due to many different underlying causes. 1 Scientific research around the world continues to identify several risk factors, such as genetics and the environment, that contribute to the development of addiction.
However, the causes of addiction are not yet fully understood. 15. People of all backgrounds and beliefs can experience addiction. It can be difficult to understand why some people are more likely to do so than others. Regardless of your education or moral code, many factors can increase your risk of becoming addicted to alcohol and other drugs.
Your genetics, your environment, your medical history and your age play a role. Certain types of drugs and methods of use are also more addictive than others. Addiction can happen to anyone of any origin, social status, race, or gender. However, it is scientifically proven that many people have higher risk factors for substance abuse and addiction than others.
There are certain factors that increase a person's risk of developing a drug or alcohol addiction. Genetics, family history, mental health and the environment are some of the risk factors for susceptibility to addiction. Substance abuse is a pattern of compulsive substance use characterized by significant recurring adverse social, occupational, legal, or interpersonal consequences, such as repeated absences from work or school, arrests, and marital difficulties. Researchers are actively searching for an addiction gene, but it seems more likely that family tendencies toward addiction are the result of environmental factors such as exposure and the normalization of drug use.
