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750 E Prima Vista Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
Substance addiction is a complex and often misunderstood condition. It can start with the recreational use of drugs, but more commonly begins when using prescription medications to treat other illnesses such as pain or even addiction itself. Though it seems counterintuitive, we must remember that those suffering from an addictive disorder are managing an incurable chronic disease, rather than simply just engaging in dangerous behavior.
Addiction is more than just a bad habit; it’s a chronic disease that rewires the brain’s ability to resist impulses surrounding addictive substances. Its impacts can be long-lasting and even life-threatening, but through treatment and support, these effects can be safely managed.
There are many risk factors for addiction. However, a family history of addiction is one of the most common factors that increase a person’s likelihood of developing an alcohol or drug dependency. This is because genetics play a significant role in how the brain functions.
A person is also at a greater risk of developing an addiction if exposed to environmental situations that may cause them to seek comfort in a substance. For example, children that grow up in tense home environments or environments that lack structure, discipline, and emotional fulfillment often seek comfort from substances that alter the mind as adults.
Oftentimes, people will experiment with alcohol or drugs in their teenage or early adult years, increasing the risk of becoming addicted down the road. In these cases, it’s not uncommon for individuals to use the substance as a way of belonging and accepted by a group of people.
Mental health is another important factor when it comes to understanding the risk of addiction. Those living with mental disorders are more likely to rely on drugs or alcohol as a form of coping mechanism for their feelings, such as depression and anxiety. Thus, taking care of our emotional well-being can be vital in helping us avoid developing addiction.
Many argue that addiction is not a disease because it requires choosing to use the substance. However, the DSM-5-TR, the classification standard mental health professionals use, officially classifies substance use disorder as a chronic disease.
Instead, they become addicted because of the changes the substance causes within their brain. This is why some become addicted, while others who use the same substance may not form an addiction. This occurs much in the same way that making unhealthy choices can lead to heart disease or diabetes.
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