For many people, the underlying causes of addiction are a mystery. Addiction is often falsely considered to be a result of a moral failing or as a form of karmic retribution. However, this is simply not true. Nobody deserves an addiction, and addictions are never the result of karma or because a person is inherently bad. Instead, there are underlying causes of addiction that have been noticed and studied by mental health care professionals. Understanding these causes encourages those struggling with addiction to seek help, as well as de-stigmatizing mental health care in general.
At Driftwood Recovery, education is half the battle of addiction treatment. Helping clients discover the underlying causes of addiction in themselves and their families is one of the first steps of treatment. Some of these causes are beyond a person’s control, while others require life changes to manage. But ultimately, these underlying causes can be managed with the right treatment and support. Once this has been accomplished, clients can then continue on their recovery journey.
It’s not just important to understand these underlying causes of addiction for treatment. Understanding them also protects your sobriety and prevents relapse.
Common Causes of Addiction
Addiction is often the result of pain. It can be psychological pain, such as a person living with trauma or struggling with stress. Physical pain, especially chronic pain conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), can also result in addiction. Nobody wants to be in pain, and a person will attempt to eliminate or reduce their pain if possible. This leads to self-medicating behaviors.
It first starts with recreational substance use, which can quickly turn into a dependency once the body becomes more tolerant. Drugs such as opioids and benzodiazepines, though used to treat medical conditions or reduce pain, can also be highly addictive. Those who carefully take these medications, even with the oversight of a medical professional, still risk developing an addiction. Some people may abuse substances to get an edge at school or work, especially if they have an undiagnosed mental health disorder.
It’s not just pain that is one of the causes of addiction. Peer pressure and a person’s social group can also play a significant role in addiction. Human beings have a psychological drive to want to fit in and be part of a group. This drive, coupled with the pressure to use substances, often makes some feel as though substance abuse is expected of them. It’s especially true for youth, who are frequently encouraged to consume alcohol by their peers.
Addiction is also a result of unhealthy coping mechanisms. Stress, loss, and pressure are all difficulties a person will experience in their lives. Some can deal with these difficulties healthily and productively. Others, especially if they have never learned healthy coping skills, will turn to substance use. There is a psychological component to this as well, and many may believe that they have to abuse substances or they cannot relax. Treating the psychological causes of addiction is just as important as the biological aspects of it.
Family and Addiction
Sometimes, the underlying causes of addiction are out of a person’s control. Factors such as sex, environment, genetics, and more will influence a person’s likelihood of developing an addiction. For example, alcohol will have different effects on the body depending on the sex of the person. Some genetic markers may be responsible for a person’s likelihood of addiction. Family history is also one of the underlying causes of addiction, especially when it comes to how a child is raised.
We learn as children how to notice social cues and behave in society by watching their family and peers. Children who experience early life stressors in their families, such as abuse or warfare, are more likely to develop addictions as adolescents and adults. We also watch how our parents and family members react to and use substances. Children who observe unhealthy substance use habits are likely to repeat these habits later in life. For example, alcohol is frequently abused for stress relief. Children who see their parents abuse alcohol in this way may assume that this is the “proper” way to deal with stress.
It’s important to remember that these underlying causes of addiction don’t always result in an addiction. A person is not doomed to become addicted later in life. It may mean that they have a stronger likelihood of doing so, but it’s never set in stone. Understanding these underlying causes of addiction allows individuals to prevent addiction in their lives by seeking professional mental health care advice.
Treating the Underlying Causes of Addiction
The best way to treat addiction is to prevent it. Educating the general public about addiction awareness and prevention is just one way to help those who are at risk. Another is to encourage those aware of possible causes of addiction in their lives to seek the advice of a mental health care professional. There, they can learn preventative measures, such as practicing healthy coping skills and diagnosing any conditions they may be struggling with. It’s always okay to seek preventative help, as no problem is ever too small.
Driftwood Recovery focuses on treating the underlying causes of addiction, especially conditions such as depression and chronic pain. Clients also involve their families in the treatment process through the courageous family program. With the oversight of medical professionals, clients have access to comprehensive and compassionate treatment. Those who complete treatment then have access to the alumni program, which further promotes success.
Remember, you are more than your addiction, and the choices you make during and after treatment can inspire others to seek help as well. The more we work to treat and help those struggling with addiction, the healthier our communities become.
Addiction never occurs as an isolated incident. There is always a cause or an underlying factor behind addiction that causes someone to abuse substances. Many times, it’s the result of pain and trauma. Other times, it comes down to factors beyond a person’s control, such as genetics and family history. Regardless of its causes, addiction can be treated, and recovery is possible for anyone. Here at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients find quality and compassionate treatment for their addiction and other conditions. Nobody deserves an addiction, especially you and your loved ones. To learn how Driftwood Recovery can help you begin your recovery journey, reach out today by calling (512) 759-8330.