WHO WILL BECOME ADDICTED TO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS?
Studies reveal addiction exists in all levels of society. People from all walks of life and education levels become addicted to alcohol and/or drugs. Addiction occurs when the desire to use alcohol or drugs is stronger than the will to resist. Addiction begins long before alcohol or drugs are consumed. Certain conditions and factors make addiction almost inevitable if a person drinks alcohol or uses drugs. Below are some of the conditions and factors that make addiction more likely.
- First, values and belief systems influence or prevent addiction. Individuals that live wholesome lives or belong to groups that forbid the use of alcohol and drugs have a smaller addiction rate. Contrary to public opinion prohibition reduced the crime rate in major cities and the rate of alcoholism. Individuals that don’t drink alcohol or abuse drugs never become addicted to alcohol or drugs.
- Low self-esteem and the lack of self-appreciation make individuals more susceptible to addiction. People who feel worthless or hate themselves are more likely to abuse alcohol or drugs.
- Selfishness and the desire for more from life cause some individuals to take foolish risks. Boredom often plays a prominent role in alcohol and drug abuse.
- Poor self-discipline. The inability to control one’s desires and appetites lead to addiction. Addiction isn’t limited to alcohol and drugs. Gambling, sex, and food addictions are real.
- Faulty self-awareness. The lack of self understanding plays a role in addiction. Some people appear to have the inability to know or set limits for themselves. These individuals seem to be more susceptible to drinking too much alcohol and/or abusing drugs.
- Thought patterns play a dominate role in addiction. Many individuals addicted to alcohol and drugs are controlled by emotional and irrational thinking, if not before they were addicted, certainly after they become addicted.
- A large portion of the population have a genetic predisposition for abuse/addiction. As early as the eighteen hundreds two physicians observed that addiction runs in families. Studies of identical twins adopted by different families found that genetics play a major role in addiction. A recent survey of one treatment group revealed more than ninety percent have biological relatives that have or had an alcohol/substance abuse problem. This proves some individuals are highly susceptible to addiction.
- Personalities do not cause addiction, but gregarious social butterflies have a higher rate of addiction. This is likely the result of their exposure to a lifestyle that promotes drinking.
- Environmental factors have a major effect. Children of parents that have alcohol or drug problems are more likely to use alcohol or drugs. Television commercials, advertisements, and social groups that promote alcohol consumption affect children, youth, and college age adults.
- People are influenced by associates that encourage or promote the use of alcohol or drugs. One individual used methamphetamine because an employee convinced him that he could work longer hours and accomplish more if he used a little “ice.” In the end he became addicted to meth and became non-productive.
- Young people are influenced more by their peers. The Gothic movement is an example. This movement is affecting a growing, small number of the youth. They promote self mutilation. I was told a young person was suspended in the air by metal hooks in his back with blood running down his legs as others looked on. It is my observation that people practicing self-mutilation in this country have a mental illness. Gothics also say Hitler was the greatest man that ever lived. They have a distorted, incorrect view of history and little, if any, respect for human life.
- Parents that allow their children to have unsupervised parties with alcohol set them up for addiction. Inconsistent parents who indulge their children or try to “buy” their love with things instead of giving them quality time place them at risk. Children do what they learn. It is time for parents to take a serious look at what they are teaching their children. Parents should know their children’s friends and monitor their activities. Parents need to be parents – not buddies with an anything goes attitude. Many young people become addicted to alcohol or drugs because their parents fail to set limits and consistently enforce healthy rules.
Diplomate American Psychotherapy Association
NAADAC Substance Abuse Professional