Causes Of Drug Abuse

Is there a Known Cause of Drug Abuse?

Many people wonder what it is that makes one person able to use drugs socially or recreationally without ever becoming addicted while the next person may only use drugs occasionally and find himself suffering from physical dependence.  Is there a single known cause of drug abuse that we could avoid in order to never get caught in the stronghold of addiction?  Unfortunately, while there are some ideas as to what causes drug abuse, there is no single solution to the problem and no way to fully avoid the potential for danger.

Genetics

Research suggests that genetics play a key factor in the cause of drug abuse.  Some people are just more prone to addiction than others.  For instance, if you have a family history of drug abuse and addiction, there is a good chance that you too are at risk of becoming a drug abuser.  This doesn’t mean that every person who has a family history of drug abuse will turn into a drug addict, but it does mean that your risk of becoming addicted is increased if your family members are or were addicts themselves.

Environmental Factors

Many researchers believe that drug abuse is the result of various environmental factors such as socioeconomic status, lifestyle, age, work history, stress level and various other outside factors.  Environmental factors can play a role in your decision to use drugs and they could play a role in whether or not you continue to experience bouts of drug abuse which could lead to drug addiction.

For instance, often times those who don’t work or have low incomes resort to drug abuse and the sale of drugs as a means of making ends meet.  Not all people who are on a limited budget are drug abusers, but many drug abusers do use drugs as a result of the stress that comes from being behind on bills, behind at work, or otherwise in a stressful situation.

The level of schooling also plays a role in drug abuse.  Generally, people with less education, especially those who have little or no knowledge of the real dangers of drug abuse, will tend to use drugs more often than those who have a higher level of schooling.  Again, this doesn’t mean that those with doctorates or higher education don’t use drugs or that every individual of a lower education is a drug abuser.

The Cause of Drug Abuse

There is no single cause of drug abuse.  Emotions sometimes lead a user to abuse drugs. Stress sometimes leads a user to abuse drugs. Grief sometimes leads a user to abuse drugs. Job loss, financial burdens, relationship troubles and a variety of other factors can also lead a user to abuse drugs.  The cause of drug abuse varies from one user to the next and it could be genetic, environmental or a combination of both.

Resources

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-addiction/DS00183/DSECTION=causes