Drug and alcohol abuse can affect a person of any background and status. There are various causes of substance abuse, which include both illegal substances and those resulting from a prescription from a health professional. At Las Vegas Recovery Center we can help you identify causes of substance abuse.
Causes of Substance Abuse You Should Know
Generally, three different factors play a part in one’s addiction to drugs or alcohol. The first is physical, which is if a person needs the physical effects to feel better. Next is emotional, which results if a person feels the need to use substances to cope with an issue in their life, such as trauma. The last factor is psychological, wherein a person feels inadequacy, and therefore, turns to substances to boost their confidence and make sense of what is happening around them.
Before you receive substance abuse treatment, here are the common causes of substance abuse.
Grief
People handle grief differently. Some people bury themselves in work, while others seek counsel from loved ones. However, some individuals turn to substances as a way of coping with grief. They think this is a short-term solution to their problem, but it can, unfortunately, transition into becoming a long term problem.
Improve performance
Drugs can temporarily improve one’s memory, function, and focus. Substances can be used by people who want to do things such as:
- Study for a long test
- Prepare a long report for work
- Boost sports performance
- Improve muscle appearance
Mental Illness
One of the leading causes of substance abuse is mental illness. This complex trigger can manifest in a lot of ways. Those with anxiety or depression may also turn to drugs to improve their mood.
Your Environment
The environment that surrounds you can initiate and perpetuate drug use. For example, growing up in a home or neighborhood that features addiction and crime can be a significant risk factor. This is because when you grow up with negative elements at home, there is a chance you may perceive it as acceptable or normal. Some even feel as if addiction is a pattern they will inevitably fall into.
Besides your home, peer and social pressure are also two of the leading causes of substance abuse, especially among young adults. For some, using substances is seen as something everyone in the group shares in common. Because of this, individuals feel the need to continue partaking in drug or alcohol abuse, despite knowing all the negative consequences it can bring. A new friend group can also influence someone to be curious to experiment with alcohol and drugs.
Financial Stress
Dealing with financial stress can be very taxing for a lot of people. Being pressured to generate money can cause someone to feel desperate and trapped, which leads to psychological or physical factors that can trigger substance use. Alcohol and drugs can make someone forget about all their financial obligations in the immediate term, which can provide temporary relief.
Self-Medication
When people deal with chronic pain, whether emotional or physical, they may turn to substances to self-medicate. This means they use drugs that are not prescribed by a doctor. Many painkillers contain highly addictive properties, and this can lead to developing an addiction.
Las Vegas Recovery Center Can Help You Fight Causes of Substance Abuse
Whatever your trigger for substance addiction, it is imperative to look for a facility that can give you the substance abuse treatment. At Las Vegas Recovery Center, we can help you understand the causes of substance abuse and tailor a specific treatment plan for you. Remember that whatever challenges you are dealing with, there are healthy ways to get help. If you are interested to know more about our admissions process, call Las Vegas Recovery Center at 844.332.2076 today.