Understanding the reasons why some individuals are more susceptible to developing an addiction than others can be challenging. Research has found that while anyone can develop a drug addiction, several factors increase someone’s risk of developing a substance abuse disorder. District Recovery can help you or your loved one put preventative measures in place and help your path to recovery.

What Are The Risk Factors for Addiction?

Risk factors are elements or circumstances that increase someone’s chances of developing an addiction. The more risks someone is exposed to, the more they are likely to use substances and build dependency on them. Here are the six risk factors for addiction.

Environment

The environment someone is exposed to can increase the risk of addiction. For instance, a teenager that goes through parental abuse or neglect is more likely to experiment with substances early on. This can be their method of coping with their present situation. Peer pressure, a desire to fit in with the crowd, and the availability of substances within their social group can also contribute.

Genetics

A person’s genetics is one of the main risk factors for addiction. It is common for people whose family members have battled an addiction to develop substance abuse disorders. For instance, a child whose parent has an alcohol use disorder could become addicted to alcohol or another substance.

Early Use

A person who used drugs at a young age increases the chances of them developing addictions later on. Also, early drug use can affect brain development. This makes them more susceptible to not only developing substance abuse disorders, but also mental health disorders.

Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis refers to the simultaneous occurrence of a substance abuse disorder and a mental health condition. The presence of underlying mental health issues could contribute to someone’s risk factors for addiction, often leading them to adopt a lifestyle that encourages drug use. They might turn to drugs as a way of coping or decreasing their symptoms.

Drug Of Choice

The time taken for someone to develop an addiction varies depending on the drug of choice. Some drugs are more addictive than others. For instance, heroin is more physically addictive than alcohol or marijuana. A person using heroin tends to experience more physically painful withdrawals. This could make them use higher doses of the drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms, speeding up the addiction process.

Method Of Use

How drugs are used also affects addiction. When substances are swallowed or ingested, they pass through organs such as the liver, where they are filtered. On the other hand, drugs that are either injected or smoked directly enter the blood and brain, making them more addictive.

What Can You Do To Reduce Risk Of Addiction?

Risk factors do not guarantee the development of addiction. Even with these several risk factors, there are ways for you to limit the chances of addiction or avoid it entirely. These ways are such as:

• Seeking counseling to help you resolve past trauma and help you develop healthy ways to handle stress and pressure
• Seek treatment for mental conditions
• Surround yourself with friends who can be positive influences and offer the right kind of support
• Educate yourself about the effects of drug use
• Adapting a well-balanced life

Seeking Addiction Treatment at District Recovery

If you are presently battling a substance abuse disorder, seeking addiction treatment is highly recommended. Here at District Recovery Community, we offer therapy and several other addiction treatment options. These options are such as:

• Gender-specific rehab
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Dialectical behavior therapy
• Residential program
• Outpatient programs

These and many more treatment options make it possible for you to recover and better cope with the risk factors for addiction. Call District Recovery Community at 844.287.8506 to learn more.