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Regardless of the moral code or background, anyone can be a victim of addiction. However, there are risk factors that increase the chances in one individual more than the other. According to research, the more an individual is exposed to these factors, the more they are likely to become addicts. If you are struggling to quit alcohol, opium, or related drugs, book an appointment online with a Gilbert addiction medicine specialist for personalized therapy. Below are the common risk factors of addiction:
Genetics
Genetics increases the risks of addiction, regardless of other personal and environmental factors. There are specific chemicals reacting in a person’s mind that are different from another’s. That is why one person may be abusing drugs to function, and another one will be using them as a form of pleasure. It is usually all about heredity. If you have experienced addiction in a family member, you are likely to become an addict yourself in the future.
Drug abuse from an early age
Age can also influence the chances of addiction. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, individuals between 18 and 24 years are likely to become addicted if they use drugs more than older persons. This is usually due to brain development at an early age that makes the young age more vulnerable.
Type of drug
Certain drugs addict users very fast while others can take up to a year or more. Such examples include cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines which will addict faster than alcohol or marijuana. Additionally, it will be harder for a person using such drugs to quit compared to an alcoholic. Cocaine and heroin result in complications.
Methods of using the drug
There are specific methods that will increase the chances of addiction for a user. For example, a person who injects substances or smokes will get addicted faster than another person who swallows the same drug. This is because, in such methods, the drug enters the bloodstream faster instead of going through the liver first.
Environment
An individual can become an addict, depending on their main environment. Children of less responsible parents also experiment with drugs more than others. People from families with domestic violence will most likely abuse drugs to cope with these emotions. Other such factors include peer pressure, especially in young people.
Metabolism
Metabolism variations between individuals have a major impact on their addiction. Metabolism is the rate at which people absorb compounds and process them. This will determine the period a drug will remain in a person’s system. People with higher metabolism rates have to take drugs at a higher frequency to have the same effects as people who have lower metabolism rates.
Drug addiction has severe effects on an individual’s health and social life. These people are more aggressive at times which makes it difficult to maintain a healthy relationship with friends and family. If you are struggling with the issue, you can handle the addiction on your own with regular motivation, but you’ll also require assistance from a qualified physician. Book an appointment with Gilbert addiction medicine for personalized care.
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