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The Risk Factors of Drug Addiction

The risk factors of drug addiction are often different for each person. However, there are a few generalities that can be made when determining whether someone is at risk for developing a drug addiction.

• Anxiety, depression and loneliness. People often turn to drugs and alcohol as a way of coping with these painful psychological feelings.
• Genetics. Drug addiction is more common in some families and likely involves the effects of many genes. If you have family members with alcohol or drug problems, you're at greater risk of developing a drug addiction.
• Personality. Those who have psychological problems, such as depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder, are more likely to become addicted to drugs. Also, children who display hostility, a lack of self-control, and a difficult temperament may be at an increased risk of drug addiction.
• Social environment. Particularly for young people, peer pressure is a strong factor in starting to use and abuse drugs. A lack of attachment with your parents may increase the risk factors of drug addiction, as can a lack of parental supervision.
• Type of drug. Some drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, more quickly result in physical addiction than others.

The more risk factors of drug addiction one is exposed to, the more it may influence their decision to use drugs. Some risk factors may be more powerful than others at certain stages in development, such as peer pressure during the teenage years. Family risk factors for teenagers engaging in drug abuse include limited parent supervision or communication, family conflicts, inconsistent or severe parental discipline, and a family history of alcohol or drug abuse. Individual risk factors include any history of physical or sexual victimization, learning or emotional problems, difficulty managing impulses, emotional instability, thrill-seeking behaviors, and perceiving the risk of using drugs to be low.