The causes of substance abuse vary; however, some examples are repeated so often they tend to form patterns of emotional, behavioral and biological reasons for substance abuse. According to The National Institute On Drug Abuse, the following causes for Substance Abuse are the most common.
Curiosity
Often people first use drugs due to curiosity, then begin abusing drugs on a regular basis after discovering the drug's ability to produce positive or euphoric affects. This is particularly common in teens and young adults.
Low Self Esteem
Many people begin drug use at an early age to impress their peers or obtain social status within a particular group. Young people in particular are vulnerable to drug use as a means of finding acceptance from others, if they are lacking in social confidence or self esteem.
Tolerance
An individual is said to have developed tolerance to a drug when he requires more of the same substance to obtain the same level of intoxication previously reached with a smaller amount of the substance. The person may begin using larger amounts of the drug, and using it more often, in an attempt to reach his previous level of satisfaction.
Changed Motives
Many substance abusers began using prescription drugs for pain control, gradually becoming physically and emotionally dependent on their prescribed medication. These substance abusers are often hard working, law abiding individuals who were initially unaware that physician prescribed medications can have addictive potential.
Hereditary Tendencies
Addiction is often referred to as a family disease due to available evidence that hereditary factors determine who will remain a social drinker, or recreational drug user, and who will become an alcoholic, or addict. There is a strong tendency for the children of alcoholics, or addicts, to also become addicted to drugs and alcohol.
Tags: substance abuse, substance abusers