Substance abuse is a serious issue that people go through. How can it start? This guide will go over the seven top causes.
It’s important to note that anyone dealing with substance abuse should consider getting the help they need. If they continue with their habit, it can lead to fatal consequences. A Nashville drug rehab center will provide someone with additional resources and information for those interested in receiving treatment.
Now, let’s begin by taking a look at the seven top causes down below.
Social acceptance
There are people who get together and have a good time. However, a lot of them will use substances just to have fun and ‘get loose.’ Some people may think that using certain drugs or alcohol is part of the whole ‘social norm.’
The reality here is that you don’t have to partake in substances in order to be socially accepted. Especially when hanging out with a group of people. You have it in your power to say ‘no’ to any substances that may be easy to get hooked onto.
There is no need to consider using drugs or alcohol just to fit in. If people view you in a negative light because you say ‘no,’ what’s the point in associating yourself with them? It’s better to hang out with like-minded people who respect your choices anyways.
You may also be abstaining from drugs or alcohol because you are a designated driver. You can prevent serious injury or death to yourself and others by doing this when you’re at a get-together.
Peer pressure
This is usually a problem with adolescents and teens. Peer pressure can leave a lasting impression on them. The whole ‘you’ll be cool if you do it’ narrative is a false one at best.
As a parent, you must remind your child that doing drugs or alcohol isn’t a cool thing to do. Teach them that it is OK to say no. Let them know that using such substances is no way to make friends.
Adolescents and teenagers will feel that they need to fit in. So they have no choice but to ‘copy’ the people around them. It can get to a point where they indulge more in the substances of their choice.
This can lead to issues later on down the road. They may also abuse other substances as they get older. This can affect their school work and their home life.
The sooner you talk to your child about substances and peer pressure, the better.
Self-medication
Substances are not the best choice for self-medication. Someone may be stressed or even deal with mental health issues. So they turn to certain substances to help them cope.
One thing to be aware of is that half of the population of the United States will receive a mental health diagnosis. Even more alarming is that many people suffer in silence. Those who are dealing with addiction may have a mental health disorder that had no prior diagnosis.
If you are dealing with a mental health disorder, please note that you need to receive professional help. This includes getting on a treatment plan that includes therapy and medication. This will lessen your chances of getting hooked onto substances for the purpose of self-medication.
Because of the tolerance you may build due to drugs, you’ll take more of it over time. This can lead to dangerous consequences, including fatal overdoses. If they don’t overdose, other fatal consequences can still arise.
This can come in the form of one of several different health issues. This can include but is not limited to cancer, heart disease, or neurological disorders. Drugs and alcohol can even increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions.
Thrill-seeking reasons
Some people may be using substances just for the thrill of it. Just to see what it’s like. This is a dangerous approach.
Trying it out once can lead to someone wanting more of it. It can get to a point where you won’t be able to have enough self-control. As the drug prevention commercials once said: not even once.
They were serious about this kind of messaging. Don’t use drugs or alcohol for the sake of thrill-seeking purposes. It can lead to serious consequences.
It can also lead to a situation where it will be tough to get out of. It takes the right kind of treatment to beat addiction. Yet, it’s a time-consuming process.
Boredom
Someone may be bored. They may feel like there’s nothing to do. So they try something for fun.
This includes using substances. They may be inspired to use it with the help of certain mediums, such as social media. They may get high as a means of escape.
When someone is high, they will lose their awareness. They may be in an alternative state. They may not be aware of any behaviors they may be exhibiting.
Reducing stress
As mentioned earlier, people tend to self-medicate from stress using drugs or alcohol. This can lead to someone using these substances every time they are stressed. This shouldn’t be the case.
Instead, consider practicing mindfulness. This will help you become aware of the stress triggers. It will also help them become more in control of it.
Never let stress and substances mix. It can lead to dangerous consequences, including uncharacteristic behaviors.
Grief
Grief can be one of the most painful experiences of anyone’s life. It can get to a point where they need to deal with the pain. Using substances such as drugs or alcohol should not be the solution.
Instead, consider grief counseling. This will be helpful, and it will provide you with strategies to help you cope with the loss.
The loss of a friend or a loved one can lead to lifelong effects. So can addiction to substances. Once again, using drugs as a grieving tool should not be the best option.
Your life’s worth living. Get the help you need if you are dealing with substance abuse now.