Key Lifestyle Variables That Impact The Risk of Drug or Alcohol Addiction

Substance abuse is one of the most prevalent public health issues in the world currently, taking the lives of 11.8 million people per year. Each year, the numbers continue to climb. Lifestyle factors happen to play a crucial role in the development of drug and alcohol addiction, which reveals that people do have the ability to influence their susceptibility to this disease. While genetics can increase the likelihood of substance abuse, environmental factors such as stress, peer pressure, and access to drugs and alcohol can also contribute to addiction. Below, we take a deep dive into how different lifestyle factors impact the chances of developing a drug or alcohol addiction problem.

Stress

Stress is one of the most significant lifestyle factors that can lead to substance abuse. When people are under stress, they may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their feelings and relieve their stress. Stress can come from various sources, such as work, relationships, financial difficulties, and health problems. In some cases, stress can be chronic and last for an extended period, leading to a dependency on drugs or alcohol. Alcohol and drugs both provide a quick fix for stressful situations and can easily become a crutch over time.

Peer Pressure

This type of pressure can also play a role in the development of substance abuse. When individuals are surrounded by friends or acquaintances who use drugs or alcohol, they may feel compelled to join in, even if they do not want to. The desire to fit in and be accepted by others can be a powerful motivator, especially during the adolescent years. This pressure can lead to the initiation of substance use, which can then progress to abuse and addiction. It is important to note that peer pressure applies to people of all ages, not just those that are younger. 

Access to Drugs and Alcohol

Having easy access to drugs or alcohol is another significant lifestyle factor that can impact the chances of developing an addiction problem. When drugs and alcohol are readily available and accessible, it is easier for individuals to engage in substance use. For example, if someone lives in an area with a high drug and alcohol culture, they may be exposed to substance use at an early age, which can increase their chances of developing an addiction problem.

Mental Health

Mental health is another factor that can impact the chances of developing an addiction problem. Individuals with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are more likely to turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their symptoms. In some cases, substance abuse can also lead to the development of mental health conditions, creating a vicious cycle of addiction and mental health problems.

Family History of Substance Abuse

Having a strong family history of substance abuse is a clear predictor of addiction. Children who have parents or other close relatives who have struggled with substance abuse are more likely to develop an addiction problem themselves. This is due in part to genetics, as well as environmental factors such as exposure to substance use and negative coping strategies.

Occupation

Believe it or not, what a person does for work has a strong impact on whether or not they may develop a dependency on drugs or alcohol. One pivotal example of this comes from observing restaurant workers. People that work in the food service industry have a high incidence of alcohol and drug dependency and rank as the third highest drug abuse rate across all professions. This staggering statistic is likely attributed to low wages, a young demographic, proximity to alcohol, and late work hours. In addition to restaurant workers, jobs that come with a high level of responsibility, such as doctors and lawyers, tend to have a higher risk of substance abuse as well.

Trauma

Various types of trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence, can also increase the chances of developing an addiction problem. Individuals who have experienced trauma may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to numb their feelings and cope with the emotional pain associated with their experiences. Over time, this can lead to a dependency on drugs or alcohol, making it difficult for them to stop using. 

The ACE test is a tool that researchers have developed to allow people to determine their risk of developing mental health or substance abuse issues based on the traumatic events that occurred in their childhood. Generally, anyone that scores over a 3 on the test has an increased risk of developing these issues. This test sheds light on how impactful early life experiences are and how they can dictate our future wellbeing.

Lack of Support

Having a lack of support from friends and family can also increase the chances of developing an addiction problem. Individuals who do not have a supportive network may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with stress and negative emotions. In some cases, they may also use substances as a way to avoid dealing with the problems they face in their lives.

Unemployment and Poverty

Socioeconomic factors like unemployment and poverty can also impact the chances of developing an addiction problem. When individuals are struggling with financial difficulties, they may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to escape their problems and feel better. In some cases, substance abuse can also lead to job loss which can exacerbate financial difficulties and create a vicious cycle of addiction and poverty.

There are quite a few lifestyle factors that can impact the chances of developing a drug or alcohol addiction problem. From stress and peer pressure to access to drugs and alcohol, mental health, family history, trauma, lack of support, and unemployment and poverty, each factor can play a role in the development of addiction. It is important to recognize that addiction is a complex condition that is influenced by multiple factors.

Ways To Decrease Risk

One powerful way to prevent the development of addiction is to address these lifestyle factors and provide support to individuals who are at risk. This can include providing access to mental health resources and support groups, addressing poverty and unemployment, and promoting a healthy and supportive social environment.

Additionally, education about the dangers of substance abuse and the ways in which it can impact an individual’s life can be an effective way to prevent addiction. This can include educating young people about the risks associated with substance use and providing them with the tools and resources they need to make informed decisions about their health.

It is also important to provide early intervention and support to individuals who are struggling with addiction. This can include access to treatment and rehabilitation services, as well as support from friends and family. In some cases, medication-assisted treatment may also be necessary to help individuals overcome their addiction and achieve sustained recovery.

Lifestyle factors play a critical role in the development of drug and alcohol addiction. By understanding the ways in which these factors impact an individual’s chances of developing an addiction problem, we can work to prevent and address addiction, and help individuals achieve sustained recovery and a healthy, fulfilling life.

New Dimensions Can Help!

If you are struggling with substance abuse, alcoholism, or other mental health issues, New Dimensions can help.  New Dimensions offers Intensive Outpatient Treatment Programs for adolescents and adults and has locations in Katy, The Woodlands, and Houston, TX.  To learn more about our treatment programs, contact us at 800-685-9796 or visit our website at www.nddtreatment.com.  You can also learn about individual and family therapy services by visiting www.mhthrive.com.

Keywords: Drug addiction; Alcohol addiction; Substance abuse; Lifestyle variables

References

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• https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/workforce/blue-collar-workers/restaurant-hospitality