What Causes People To Be Drug Addicts?

Many people find themselves questioning what causes them to become drug addicts. Several things contribute to this. However, it's essential to remember that everyone is different, and each individual's unique situation will determine what they can do about their addiction. It's also a good idea to discuss your issues with a doctor. You can also get help from a drug rehab centre if you risk becoming addicted.

Genetics

Many professionals have been studying the relationship between genetics and drug addiction. They have discovered several genes and gene sequences that indicate a higher risk of developing a dependency on a particular substance. Despite these discoveries, the molecular mechanisms that govern addiction remain uncharted. One example of a gene associated with drug addiction is the CNR1 gene. It is a seven-transmembrane domain protein, which is encoded by a polymorphism. When the protein is mutated, its activity is reduced, resulting in altered mRNA stability.

Another example is the PSD-95 protein. It is an important signalling molecule found in the human brain. In mice, a low level of this protein is associated with a more responsive response to cocaine. In contrast, mice with this gene removed are less apt to respond to abused drugs. These factors can increase or decrease a person's chances of developing an addiction. This information can help prevent a habit and help people with an addiction treat their condition.

Stressful Environment

The presence of a stressful environment is one of the significant risk factors for drug addiction. These environments can reinforce and re-activate previous drug associations and lead to relapse after abstinence. For younger individuals, peer pressure is a severe risk factor. Chronic stress can lead to plastic changes in the reward system, increasing relapse vulnerability. Drug craving, impulse control, and learning pathways are affected by chronic stress. Stress can also enhance the acquisition of psychostimulants.

Many studies have explored the relationship between stress and addiction. These studies have shown that stress strongly predicts relapse and can be counteracted with lifestyle and behavioural interventions. However, there is a significant gap in the literature on the molecular mechanisms behind the relationship between stress and addiction. Genetics and stress-related genes are thought to play a role in determining addiction vulnerability. In particular, the monoamine oxidase A promoter is heavily regulated by glucocorticoids. This promoter has been linked to alcohol use disorder and concomitant drug abuse.

Uncontrollable Behaviors

The elusive question a parent asks their teenager is, "are you an addict?" It is no secret that the scourge can wreak havoc on a family's well-being. For instance, an addict can drive under the influence, rob a bank, and steal to support their addiction. Also, a drug addict may miss out on an excellent education and is more likely to be incarcerated. Besides, a substance abused by an addict can cause a host of medical complications, including addiction-induced cardiovascular disease.

Aside from being a criminal, being a drug addict can also lead to serious mental health problems. If you are struggling with addiction, seek the help of a licensed alcohol and drug counsellor. You could even die from an overdose.

Regarding substance abuse, the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is an excellent resource to turn to. Although there are many resources, the best way to find out is to consult a licensed professional.

Relapse

A relapse is a breakdown in an attempt to change substance use behaviours. It occurs most commonly in the first 90 days after successful rehabilitation. Relapse is a negative experience for the person in recovery. The person may feel a sense of shame or guilt. They may also experience negative feelings associated with their past substance abuse. These negative feelings can be very destructive and sabotage recovery.

One way to prevent relapse is to recognise the triggers of your substance abuse disorder. This will allow you to understand yourself better and the environment you have been in. You will also benefit from developing a plan to avoid relapse. Triggers can be emotional, physical, or situational. Some of the more common triggers include boredom, anxiety, and stress. Seeing relapse as a lapse can encourage people to work on coping strategies. This can also lead to the development of new routines and interests.

Author Bio

Tobin John holds a PhD degree from a prestigious university. He is associated with one of the best affordable business plan writing services and has been providing professional business writing services for over 15 years. After completing his Master, he started providing online business writing services on different platforms. Once his PhD was completed, he professionally joined service providers and now works for them.