Drug abuse that results in chemical dependency causes the substance that is being abused to become the main focus of an addict’s life. Recent studies conducted by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health show that illegal drug use has increased in the last 15 years. At the same time, it costs the U.S. healthcare system about $11 billion in drug abuse rehabilitation alone.
A survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Surveys also supports this finding. This survey shows that about 51 percent of people used pharmaceuticals for nonmedical use. At the same time, 25 percent of Americans combined drug use with alcohol.
It also shows that roughly 10 percent of all individuals who try drugs also got addicted. Additionally, a combination of genetic and environmental factors influence the chances of addiction. There are a number of environmental factors that contribute to addiction.
The Community Environment
A person’s link with the community where they live is seen to play a big part in the development of their drug addiction. Statistics also illustrate that an individual’s community contributes to a number of factors involved in problems with drugs. One of these factors is the availability of firearms.
The presence of firearms is a risk factor. Toleration of firearms is a mindset that reflects the standards of a particular community. People who live in a community that is a haven for crime also have an increased chance of addiction.
Another factor that affects addiction in the community is low neighborhood attachment. Living in a place where there is nothing to do increases the chances of addiction. At the same time, individuals who do not feel attached to their communities are more likely to turn to drugs for solace.
Another factor that affects drug use is location. Rural teens are 83 percent more likely to abuse drugs than teens in large cities. This is because rural areas frequently have fewer prevention and rehabilitation services.
The Peer Domain
One of the most significant contributing factors to drug abuse is peer pressure. Individuals who are exposed to those who are involved with illegal drugs are more likely to get hooked. This is due to the issue of accessibility. Teens who can easily obtain drugs are more likely to use them. Schools that have higher rates of drug availability also see a spike in drug abuse among students.
At the same time, teens face issues of self esteem, increased feelings of instability, and psychological changes. These factors alone make them prone to try illegal substances. This is done in order to be cool, fit in with the group, and make friends. According to research, 40 percent of high school students admitted to having tried marijuana in the past 12 months. At the same time, 25 percent of graduating high school students have tried stimulants.
The Family Domain
Home management problems and family conflict are also contributing factors in the development of drug addiction. Additionally, children with parents who use drugs themselves or have favorable views towards their use also pose a greater risk in forming an addiction. This is because their children have a greater possibility of trying or abusing drugs. According to a study conducted by Columbia University, ten percent of teens know a parent who smokes marijuana with their teenaged children.
Although divorce does not increase drug abuse risk, family conflict does. Excessive physical or verbal conflicts puts people at risk. At the same time, they use drugs to escape from these problems. Another factor in increasing the risk of drug addiction is family mobility and transition.
Individuals who have families that move a lot sometimes have a hard time making friends or adapting to a new environment. This is true especially in middle school. This is because people have their own social groups. At the same time, they are unable to develop a sense of belonging in a community. Using drugs is one way that people fill that empty sense of belonging.
There are many environments that can lead to a higher chance of drug abuse. Please try to make sure that your family does not get caught up in this unhealthy lifestyle.
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