While having an addiction is not limited to any specific kind of person, some people may be more likely to develop one based on several different factors. These factors may include a genetic disposition, early role models and development, and environment. Again, many people develop addictions without any of those risk factors present but being able to recognize them can help prevent addictions from developing or resurfacing.
Inheriting Addiction
Research on exactly what proteins and genes are responsible for a genetic disposition to addiction is limited but it is widely agreed upon that addictive tendencies can be inherited. The likelihood of developing an addiction—if you have access and exposure to substances—increases with closer genetic relationships to an addict. For example, if your parent is or was an addict, you would be more at risk for developing an addiction than if your second cousin was. However, a genetic disposition to addiction does not immediately indicate that you will become an addict. Certain substances may be more addictive to you than others based on your genetic history and it is not possible to become addicted to a substance that you have never used. So, if you are aware of a family history of substance abuse and addiction, avoiding the use of substances yourself is the simplest way to ensure that you don’t develop an addiction.
Learning Addiction
There are other factors outside of our control that may increase our susceptibility to addiction. Often, when we grow up surrounded by others who abuse substances, we eventually use them too and learn by example. In early childhood our brains are developing incredibly fast, absorbing information like a sponge. During these years we need to identify role models—people that we look up to and trust. As children, when we see our role models abusing substances or alcohol, we learn to normalize and even romanticize it. Many addictions can start as early as adolescence and are heavily influenced by a child’s role model(s). Even as children when we are often unable to discern the innocent from the dangerous, our brains are already wired to begin forming addictions. Regardless of a child’s intent behind miming their role models and abusing substances and/or alcohol, the neurological impact is the same. Beyond our developing years, role models can continue to play a huge role in our livelihoods. It is not strange or uncommon for adults to have role models but just as role models can shape us as children, they can shape us as adults too. When experiencing addiction or recovery, it is important to surround yourself with positive role models that will not encourage using or relapse.
Addiction and Environment
Much like how an individual can impact our experience with addiction, so can physical spaces and communities. You are more likely to develop an addiction yourself when surrounded by other addicts and substances. It is also true that certain living circumstances and financial positions can make an individual more likely to use substances. This can be the result of societal pressure, mental conditioning, or turning to substances to “treat” other ailments. Avoiding the pressure put on you by others in your community can be difficult and possibly even result in harassment or violence. It is almost impossible for someone to escape being conditioned by their environment, and when pain medication or anti-depressants are inaccessible, abusing substances and/or alcohol may be the only visible option. While programs may exist to help individuals navigate their environments by providing resources and other services, these programs are not always available to everyone and may require you to jump through many hoops. Understanding different factors that can lead to an addiction that is often out of an individual’s control is important in eliminating the stigma that surrounds addiction.
How These Factors Can Impact Relapse
Just as these factors can make an individual more likely to develop an addiction, they can also make it easier to relapse after recovery. Being aware of the sources of your addiction will help ensure that you can avoid those sources. It may be difficult, but this could mean cutting off contact with friends who may use or encourage you to use, avoiding certain environments even if those places may be important to you, or even cutting out other habits that are closely tied with your addiction. Being able to identify our risk factors is a big step in ensuring that you can fully recover.
Many factors can lead to developing an addiction with some being more influential than others. Addictions are medical conditions that can be treated. If you are struggling with addiction or recovery, call Rancho Milagro at (951) 526-4582 to discuss treatment options with us. At Rancho Milagro, we believe in treating the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. Here you will receive attentive and individualized care because we know that there is no one path to recovery and that no one person is the same. Our ranch is located in the secluded hills of Temecula, CA, where we offer a private and peaceful healing experience. Treatment not only includes time spent with medical professionals but also art therapy, nature therapy, and massage therapy. We have miles of private hiking trails on the facility as well as more than 20 farm and therapy animals that you will get to know during your time here.