The cause of substance use disorders is still unknown, though genetics are thought to account for 40% to 60% of a person’s risk. Substance use often starts as a way to feel good or out of curiosity in childhood or early adolescence.
Repeated use of the substance and increased tolerance pave the way to substance use disorder and addiction. Some adults who develop a substance use disorder have a co-occurring mental illness, such as depression, anxiety, or bi-polar disorder, and begin using drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms.
Other risk factors that may lead to a substance use disorder include:
- Family history of addiction
- Sleep problems
- Chronic pain
- Financial difficulties
- Divorce or the loss of a loved one
- Long-term tobacco habit
- Tense home environment
- Lack of parental attachment in childhood
- Relationship issues
Of course, none of these risk factors guarantees that a person will develop a substance abuse disorder, but a combination of factors plus repeated substance use significantly increase the likelihood of addiction.
Is your loved one struggling with substance abuse? Help is available.
Whether your loved one requires the safe, controlled environment of inpatient drug treatment or the flexibility of an outpatient program, all patients in our care receive the counseling, education, and recovery support services they need to lead a happy, healthy life. For more information on our alcohol and drug treatment programs, Contact us @+254 746460202
