Causes of Drug Addiction

Although the causes of drug addiction vary from one person to another, research has been able to create a generalized idea of what could cause a person to become addicted to drugs.

One of the leading factors in understanding drug addiction is to understand the variable reasons are that originally draws a person to drug use. What initially attracted a person to experiment with the drug?

There are many variable things that may make a person attracted to drugs, and these things are only a small portion of the factors considered in a successful drug addiction treatment program.

• Experimentation and curiosity can lead a person to use drugs. Somebody may just wonder “what it feels like”. Many of these cases involve a person who has never tried any drugs in the past. In these cases, a new sense of excitement can increase the pleasure of drug use. A combination of the effects of the drugs and a ‘first time’ rush can increase the amount of serotonin release in the brain. This can often lead to a habit, or drug abuse.


• Another reason that some people are drawn to drugs is to temporarily escape reality when they have a difficult time dealing with their problems. For example, somebody with a history of abuse may find emotional or mental relief when they drink. This can lead to a dependence on consuming alcohol for the relief it offers. After a while, a tolerance is developed and a person will need to drink more and more to achieve the same level of 'escape'. This is also common with those who experience schizophrenia or other stressful disorders.


• Similar to this cause for initial drug use is the desire for a relief from pain. Whether it is physical pain or emotional pain, drugs can sometimes be prescribed as treatment for pain. Prescription drugs are commonly abused more and more as a tolerance develops, and larger doses of the drug are needed to achieve the desired results.


• Peer pressure is a major cause for drug addiction, and (contrary to popular belief) peer pressure can occur at any age. Teenagers may face peer pressure daily on many things, including the opportunity to experiment with drugs, but adults can be even more tempted to try drugs to 'fit in'.


• Genetics may also play a role in drug use and drug addiction. The biological susceptibility to addiction contributes to a person’s risk of developing an addiction.

Whether you initially experiment with drugs because it appears to be 'the norm', or because you are need temporary relief from emotional or physical pain... drug addiction begins with drug use.

Not everyone who uses drugs will develop a drug addiction. However, all it takes for some is one 'experimentation' to develop a drug addiction. It's far too great a risk to take!

Drugs contain poisons, and those toxins affect your brain chemistry. Though drugs may make you feel good at first, the end results is that the absence of the presence of those drugs make you feel really bad, and thus an addiction is formed.

Drug addiction, or substance abuse, is apparent when a person exhibits a constant drug-seeking behavior. The symptoms of addiction are present long before this point, and addiction should be treated at the first warning signs. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to overcome addiction.