- Trauma from the past and mental health issues.
It is common for substance abusers to use drugs to cope with emotional or physical pain, as well as inability to cope with situations in life, past trauma, or life in general. These include depression, childhood neglect, chronic pain, workplace stress, or even full-blown post-traumatic stress disorder. Health officials recognized in the UK Department of Health’s ‘Orange Book’ guidance on drug treatment that traumatized people were frequently undergoing drug or alcohol treatment. According to the report, “services must recognize and accommodate these patients’ special needs, and provide a healing environment that prevents inadvertent re-traumatization.”
- Environmental and social aspects
Addiction’s emergence and persistence are strongly influenced by social and environmental factors. If you grow up, live, or work in an environment where alcohol and drugs are widely used, you are more likely to suffer from addiction. Alcoholism is more likely to develop in children raised by alcoholic parents than in children raised by non-alcoholic parents. According to a Public Health England review, excessive drinking was linked to long hours at work and high stress. This is one of the reasons progressive employers have become more aware of their role in helping their employees overcome addiction.
- Physical dependence
Physical dependence causes addiction to take hold and tighten its grip.Alcohol and opiates, for instance, which can also cause physical withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, shaking, and abdominal pain when used without support, are examples of substances that may cause noticeable physical changes.
The physical side effects of gambling, for instance, are part of the reason why it is addictive. The NHS says gambling can lead to a mental high and a strong desire to recreate it.
Although food does not have the same addictive properties as heroin or crack cocaine, it is still helpful to think about how hard it is to resist certain foods to gain a better understanding of the physical pull people feel towards certain behaviors (despite the fact that food is not addictive).
Is There a Way for Me to Stay Away from Becoming Addicted?
Your chances of becoming addicted can be reduced if you make certain decisions.
- Know your ancestry: If your family has a history of substance abuse, you may be more vulnerable. Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to reduce your risk.
- Don’t use illegal drugs, and follow your doctor’s prescription drug usage instructions at all times.
- Talk to your doctor about therapy if you have a mental health problem or a history of trauma or abuse. When you work with a therapist with experience, you can manage emotions and stress in a healthy manner, lowering your chances of developing unhealthy coping mechanisms with alcohol and drugs.
A Word from Skyward Treatment Center
When you or someone you know is addicted, you may feel helpless and out of control. Nevertheless, there is hope. Having the right treatment will enable you to overcome addiction. A lot of people have been able to defeat substance abuse problems and lead happy, healthy lives as a result of their commitment and hard work. Skyward Treatment Center will help you devise a treatment plan that is appropriate for you. You shouldn’t become discouraged if you encounter setbacks. You are not alone in your struggles.
