Addiction can sometimes be caused by one factor but is most commonly caused by several. These factors can overlap making it difficult to discern which came first or what caused which problems. When addressing addiction, it is vital to establish and confront the root cause. These are the most common issues that cause or contribute to addiction and addictive behaviors.
Genetic
The conversation of whether addiction is based on nature or nurture thrives within the substance abuse world. There have been studies which conclude that there is, in fact, a genetic component to addiction. However, it is said to be similar to the genetic factors of obesity or heart disease. While you may be more likely to develop it, your environmental factors as well as lifestyle choices have a greater impact. Genetic factors of addiction influence how an individual responds to their environment including stress. This determines the intensity of the impact as well as how an individual may react. That being said, research has shown that 40%-60% of addiction is driven by genetic factors.
Genetic factors associated with addiction also influence the regulation of dopamine signaling. This means that the way in which dopamine is signaled within the body is hereditary and can influence addiction. It is possible that a genetic predisposition to addiction may also influence which substances an individual prefers or becomes addicted to. For example perhaps they never became addicted to cigarettes but became addicted to alcohol. Or the individual prefers to use cocaine rather than opioids due to hereditary influences. The genes that have been found to dictate addiction, are also linked to an increase of mental health disorders and chronic health disorders.
PTSD
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is caused by a single or ongoing event that causes stress and fear. It is most commonly caused by war, childhood abuse, violence, near death experiences, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, kidnapping, torture, and serious health problems. Individuals who come from childhood trauma or have mental health disorders are more likely to experience PTSD from other events later in life. While individuals that come from secure childhoods and no mental health disorders have more stable cognitive function and better developed trauma response capabilities.
PTSD leaves people feeling a greater sense of helplessness, extreme fear, chronic stress and intense memory recall. Essentially the individual is emotionally trapped in the traumatic event. Their body responds as though it is still currently experiencing the event. This leaves the individual unable to move on or process what happened and instead, continuously relives it. PTSD requires professional help, however not everyone seeks the help that they need. If it is left untreated PTSD can cause mental health disorders. It can also cause the individual to self-medicate using addictive substances or behaviors.
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Childhood Trauma
Childhood trauma is the leading cause of addiction. It may include events such as abuse, neglect, domestics violence, grief, sexual assault, and medical trauma. Any child who experiences high levels of stress on a regular basis or trauma, is more likely to develop a substance abuse disorder later in life. This tends to include substance experimentation during adolescence that develops into an addiction. Childhood trauma dysregulates the nervous system which makes the individual more vulnerable to addictive tendencies.
Substance experimentation is normal in adolescence however, childhood trauma greatly increases the desire, frequency, and type of substances. The younger that an individual is when they begin using substance the more complex the addiction can become. As their brains are still developing, it can permanently alter mental capacities. It can also cause addiction in adults if their childhood trauma is unresolved and an event occurs that triggers them. Unaddressed childhood trauma can alter how individuals respond to stress and how adrenaline is released and processed within the body.
Mental Health
People with undiagnosed mental health disorders are 18 times more likely to develop an addiction. People may turn to substances in order to cope or to self-medicate. It’s a way to escape the mental anguish that is experienced on a daily basis. It is also important to note that substance abuse can be the cause of mental health disorders. In this case, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish which came first. Studies have shown that 60% of adolescence with substance use disorders also meet the criteria for a mental health diagnosis. The most common are anxiety disorder, panic disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, antisocial personality disorder, ADHD, and PTSD. Studies have shown that people with mental and personality disorders are 43% more likely to become addicted to opioids.
Mental health disorders can impair how people function within society and their quality of life. People with mental health disorders who also suffer from addiction is most prominent between the ages of 18-25. Mental health diagnoses and disorders must be addressed separately from addiction. Though they are connected, they are two completely different health issues that are managed in two completely different manners.
Family history
If substance abuse is common within the family then it is more likely to be passed on to younger generations. Children who have been exposed to this type of behavior believe it is normal and an acceptable way to cope and function within society. There doesn’t necessarily need to be addiction in the family but if substances were abused, this can tendency can be passed on. Much like physical abuse is typically generational, substance abuse can be as well.
The more children are exposed to substances, even alcohol, the more likely they are to seek out these substances as a coping mechanism. It has been normalized within the family and appears to be a natural step when seeking to self-soothe, cope, or to escape. Having a glass of wine is different than a bottle every night. Having one beer is different than getting drunk, slurring and falling. The same can be said for behavioral addictions such as eating, working, or gambling. If children see the example that this is how we cope, they will be more likely to follow along and test it for themselves.
Traumatic Events
Traumatic events in adulthood can lead to substance abuse disorders. While it’s more common in children, it is prevalent in adults as well. Events such as rape, death of a loved one, near death experiences, a house fire, or even witnessing something traumatic can lead to addiction. Especially if these events are continuous over a longer span of time. If the trauma from such events are not addressed by professionals right away, they can fester. This will eventually effect the mental state of the individual and cause additional distress. Not seeking professional help can lead to chronic stress, depression, anxiety, PTSD or other mental health disorders. If left untreated, the individual will seek to escape or self-medicate using substances. Which can then lead them into addiction. This is especially true for individuals who have a predisposition to substance abuse.
If an individual comes from a stable home but has a genetic predisposition to addiction, a traumatic event in adulthood could trigger their addictive tendencies. They may not even be aware of this genetic predisposition. Say for example, the death of a close relative or friend occurs, this could send the individual into a spiral of grief, depression and chronic stress. They may seek substances to soothe their pain and unknowingly become addicted over time.
Cultural
The cultural exposure to substances can impact the likelihood of addiction. It also influences the ease at which substances are obtained on a societal level. The use of substances can be dated back thousands of years and crosses many different cultures. Mead and psychedelic substances are amongst the first ever recorded. Some used for social status, events and gatherings. Other instances they were used to connect with ancestral roots, to gain wisdom and for personal growth.
Cultural differences impact how groups of people view and utilize certain substances. Religions also play a part in this as well. For example, the Christian religion discourages substance usage while Native Americans use psychedelic substances for ceremonial purposes. The access to substances also varies with easier access in Western countries and more restrictive access in Asian countries. Family dynamics within cultures also influences the risk of addiction. Western families are often broken while Latin and Asian families are multi-generational. Broken families result in more hardship and dysfunction. While stronger family dynamics reduce the tendency to use and abuse substances.
Birth Order
There have been some studies that suggest birth order may play a role in addiction and addictive tendencies. A study conducted in Sweden concluded that the eldest born usually has more pressure on them to perform better, be more mature, and take care of their younger siblings. This leads to a reduced chance of them exhibiting addictive behaviors. It has been shown that the middle and youngest sibling are most commonly found to become addicted. The middle child feels as though they receive less attention and may be compelled to act out of seek attention through substances. Where as the younger child, may receive more lenient parental guidance and feel freer to act out and engage in risky behaviors associated with addiction. The youngest child is also more likely to have reduced coping mechanisms making them unable to adapt to stress or conflict like their older siblings.
There have been several studies about birth order and some of the findings contradict others. We still need more data before these theories are solidified within the addiction recovery space. However, it is noteworthy information to consider.
Social Factors
Social influences are strongest for pre-teens and adolescents. They are more susceptible to being persuaded by friends, classmates, and social media. This is a normal time when children begin to experiment with their independence and deeply desire to belong and be accepted. If an individual’s group of friends is experimenting with hard drugs such as crack, opioids, LSD, or ecstasy then they are more likely to join. Or they may be pressured into joining. The same can be said for online influences, movies and music. If a certain behavior is glorified, then it will create a natural desire to join especially with younger individuals.
College-aged adults also experience societal pressure to be accepted, especially if their peers are binge drinking regularly and partying. They will be far more inclined to join in. The issue lies in that some people are able to use substances socially and never have any problem with them. Others are predisposed to addiction and will not be able to control their usage or quit when they want to.
Chronic Pain
Over 50 million Americans are reported to suffering from chronic pain. This equates to nearly 20% of the population. Chronic pain such as back, neck, migraine, arthritis, gout, or phantom limb pain can cause individuals to seek a medical prescription to alleviate the symptoms. In addiction, doctors will often prescribe pain management medication after an injury or medical procedure. These types of medications are habit forming and can lead to addicted. It generally starts slow and progresses into a full addiction. Since the medication is for verifiable pain and is doctor prescribed, the addiction can go undetected for a long period of time. It can go unnoticed by family as well as the person prescribed the medication.
Unfortunately, most patients are unaware that their medication can result in an addiction. Once addicted, doctors generally dismiss the patient to find help on their own. It puts the individual as well as their family at a huge disadvantage. Going to a doctor for pain management and walking away with an addiction is a distressing experience. It would be important for anyone who is prescribed a medication to conduct independent research on the side effects as well as discussing alternative options with their doctor. After the opioid epidemic in the United States, it is clear that doctors play an intricate role in addiction.
Lastly
Getting to the root cause of addiction is vital for sobriety. If the root cause is never addressed then there is no chance of long-term recovery. Similar to weeding a garden. If you only pull the tops, then the weeds will regrown. You must dig deep into the earth and pull out the roots to resolve the problem. In addiction recovery, the roots must be brought to the surface and addressed. It can be a painful experience and it is not always easy to face. However, there is no other way. Here at Sober and Beyond we propel individuals into sobriety by unblocking limiting beliefs and detaching from restrictive behaviors. We focus on forward movement and living a fulfilling life beyond sobriety. Schedule your FREE consultation now. Click HERE to find out more.