How Does Addiction Start?

The causes of addiction are many. A history of substance use among family members, work stress, dependence on prescription drugs, trauma, peer pressure, and several other factors can all contribute to addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, Coalition Recovery can bring immediate help and relief by treating the client’s root causes of addiction.

Addiction recovery programs usually involve a combination of medication and therapy, treating the client’s painful withdrawal symptoms, and addressing any co-occurring mental health disorders. As such, discovering the root causes of addiction and any repressed issues is crucial to the recovery journey. To know more about our specialized addiction treatment programs and mental health treatment, call us at 888.707.2873.

Causes of Addiction

The most common causes of drug and alcohol addiction are listed below.

Family History

Those who grow up watching their parents or other family members drink or do drugs are more likely to develop a substance use disorder later in life. A toxic family or social environment may also tempt an individual into consuming alcohol/drugs as a coping mechanism.

Trauma and/or Stress

Memories of trauma- be it abuse, neglect, abandonment- may cause significant distress in the individual, prompting them to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms. Chronic stress from work, family obligations, studies, and other responsibilities may cause individuals to drown their sorrows in alcohol and drugs.

As part of Coalition Recovery’s personalized treatment programs, we provide trauma therapy to help clients alleviate the symptoms of PTSD, come to terms with painful experiences, and move on from the past towards a happier future.

Prescription Drugs

Medications often prescribed as painkillers or for mental health disorders may cause chemical dependence and addiction if their dosages are not carefully monitored. The person may quickly develop a tolerance to the substance, craving more and more of it to function normally.

Mental Health Disorders

Addiction and mental health issues often go hand-in-hand. Those suffering from depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and the like, are more likely to turn to drugs and alcohol to escape the feelings of loneliness, low self-worth, existential fears or to numb the pain. This is why it is very important to choose an addiction treatment program that focuses on the client’s physical as well as mental health to ensure a full recovery.

Peer Pressure

Drinking at social gatherings is so normalized in our culture that individuals may slowly become addicted to alcohol without even realizing it. Similarly, students and young adults at parties or festivals may recreationally do drugs and gradually slip into addiction. Peers and social groups may negatively influence a person’s susceptibility to addiction.

To that end, Coalition Recovery has partnered with several universities to raise awareness about substance use on campus. We also provide specialized treatment programs for students and young adults who are often at high risk of developing an addiction.

Genetics

Studies suggest that in addition to one’s environment, genetics also has a part to play in determining one’s chances of developing an addiction. In fact, 50% of an individual’s risk for addiction may be due to genes alone.

Whatever be the causes of drug and alcohol addiction, it is never too late to seek help and begin treatment.

Addiction Recovery Starts at Coalition Recovery

For the last six years, Coalition Recovery has guided countless students and adults on their journey towards wellness and sobriety by addressing the primary causes of alcohol and drug addiction and providing them with the right medical attention and ongoing emotional support. Our focus on using evidence-based therapies, medication-assisted treatment, and comprehensive aftercare planning ensures that every client receives the utmost care and comfort at our facility.

If you notice the early warning signs of addiction in yourself or someone you love, contact us at 888.707.2873 and take the first step towards a safer and better life.