by Rena Sherwood

Created on: August 25, 2010   Last Updated: August 26, 2010

Just what causes drug or alcohol abuse is unknown.  It is quite likely that the reasons are different for each addict.  But there are some factors that can encourage a person to become an addict.  These include genetic predisposition, how they were raised, mental illness and what their economic situations are.

Genetics

Although there isn’t definitive proof, it seems that some people’s brains are wired to become addicted far faster than others.  While some people may not get a buzz from a drink, others almost immediately do and find it incredibly pleasurable.  The drink or drug of choice winds up calming them down and becoming a reward, which reinforces the behavior.  However, the same substances may get others violently ill or may make them feel worse off than before.

It was once thought that one particular chemical may cause addiction, but now it’s much more complicated that just the presence of one chemical.  Addicts seem to have more dopamine receptors called D3 fire in the presence of drugs than others. Brains also release a chemical, gamma-aminobutyric acid, which tells them they are satiated.  This chemical does not seem to work properly in brains of addicts.

How They Were Raised

But genetics does not entirely explain why some people become drug addicts if only a few people in the family were addicted.  Children are raised by drug addicts or have friends that are addicts, they are more inclined to get access to the drugs or to see the drug taking as socially acceptable.  Children of alcoholic are four times more likely to become alcoholics themselves.

Mental Illness

No matter how many times people may hear that a mental illness is not a character flaw, there is still a great societal stigma attached to having a mental illness.  Some mental illnesses like bipolar disorder are difficult to diagnose until after a patient has had at least two manic-depressive cycles.  Many people with mental illness turn to alcohol and drugs in order to self-medicate their symptoms and to make them feel more normal.  Over time, the body becomes dependent on these drugs and self-medication becomes an addiction.

Economic Situations

Many homeless people are addicts.  But what is not known is what comes first – the addiction or the homelessness?  Many people become homeless through no fault of their own, such as bankruptcy, natural disasters or fleeing domestic violence.  In order to cope with the cold, the fear and sheer discomfort of having to try to sleep on hard surfaces, many turn to drugs and drink.  They also lack the money to get medical care and so drugs help relieve physical pain.

However, there are many incredibly rich people that become addicts.  There are very few celebrity biographies about people who never became an addict at some point in their lives.  Easy access to money means easier access to drugs, so it may be harder for a rich drug addict to get clean than a poor one.

References:

“Under the Weather: Coping with Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.” John G. Cooney. Various publishers; 1991

Neuroanthropology. “The Genetic and Environmental Basis of Addiction.” http://neuroanthropology.net/2008/05/06/the-genetic- and-environmental-bases-of-addiction/

Time. “How We Get Addicted.” Michael D. Lemonick. July 5, 2007. http://koso.ucsd.edu/~martin/HowWeGetAddicted_TIME.p df

Coalition for Homelessness and Housing in Ohio. “Addiction Disorders and Homelessness.” http://www.cohhio.org/resources/factsheets/addiction factsheet.html

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