Nature or Nurture: What Causes Drug Addiction?

Oftentimes the first reaction when dealing with someone who has a drug or alcohol problem is to look at their parents. Does their mother or father struggle with their substance or alcohol use? It seems logical to look first toward their parents since genetics play a major role in most aspects of life.

But current research indicates that genetics play about 50 to 60 percent of the role in someone’s risk of developing a problem with drugs or alcohol. Many large-scale studies on twins show that genetics do play an important role even though they’re only credited for about half of the problem.

Numerous genetic components may increase a person’s risk, including metabolic processes and personality traits. One of the most important components to look for when determining what causes drug addiction or alcoholism is a preexisting mental illness.

People with mental illness are more likely to turn to drugs and alcohol than those without. It isn’t easy to live with the symptoms of mental illness. Greater difficulties arise when their symptoms go undiagnosed or untreated for months or years.

While mental illness is not necessarily what causes drug addiction or alcoholism, it does increase a person’s risk. Some use alcohol and drugs to self-medicate and relieve the effects of their symptoms. They may fall into a pattern of consistent drug or alcohol use because it helps their symptoms in the short-term, but it makes them worse over time.

The presence of both a mental disorder and a substance or alcohol use disorder is called dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. Dual diagnosis is another complicated condition because of the way the symptoms of both disorders exacerbate each other. People with co-occurring disorders benefit from specialized treatment that considers how these conditions interact.

When determining what causes drug addiction, the environment someone grows up in or currently lives in is responsible for the other half of the equation. After looking at a person’s parents, the next instinct is to look at the environment they grew up in. What was their household like? Where did they live? Who did they spend their free time with? How did their role models behave?

Just like genetics, numerous environmental aspects contribute to what causes drug addiction and alcoholism. These factors include things like family, friends, exposure to or experiencing trauma, or economic status.

Children who grow up in a home with someone who has an active substance or alcohol use problem are more at risk. Whether it’s a parent, sibling, or another family member, early exposure to substances plant ideas in a child’s mind. Young children look for role models and if someone in their home uses drugs or alcohol they are more likely to do the same.

Adolescents looking to fit in may find themselves with friends who use drugs or alcohol. The combination of peer pressure and lack of judgment skills cause some to start drinking or using at an early age. If they remain with these friend groups as they grow up and substance use continues, they might develop a problem.

Development refers to the developmental stages of life people go through, such as childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. Genetics and environmental factors still split the responsibility for what causes drug addiction. But the way these two aspects play out during particular developmental stages also affects a person’s risk for developing a problem.

Substance or alcohol use disorder may develop at any age, all the way into late adulthood. Someone who starts drinking or using drugs at a young age, though, puts themselves at greater risk for eventual addiction or alcoholism.

For example, teenagers who try drugs or alcohol early on and then use them regularly are more at risk. Not every adolescent who tries substances will move towards heavier use. Those who do, though, may find themselves struggling to control their use as it progresses.

Do you know someone who struggles with drug addiction or alcoholism? Or are you dealing with a substance or alcohol problem yourself? No matter the specifics of what caused your problem, finding informed addiction treatment the first step toward escaping it.

It’s important to find a facility that understands the complexity of what causes drug addiction and alcoholism.

Peace Valley Recovery is an addiction treatment center in Pennsylvania that recognizes the difficulties of your problem. We provide informed and individualized treatment programs for anyone trying to get clean and sober. Blending traditional methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy with experiential methods provides a well-rounded approach.

Whatever brought you to where you are today, we are here to help you recover. Call us or fill out our online form and one of our admissions counselors will answer any questions you may have. Take the first step toward your new life and reach out today!