There are several theories that try to explain the cause of addiction. Some researchers believe that social factors play a role in addiction. Others theorize that genetic influences can be a cause of addiction.

Genetics can play a role in developing an alcohol or substance dependency. People who have parents or extended family members with an addiction are more likely to develop addiction, as well. Likewise, people with certain social factors have higher rates of addiction. Social factors can include violence in the home, poverty, and peer pressure.

No matter what the epidemiology is, for most people, addiction and dependency begins as a coping tool. Many recovering people acknowledge that they have used drugs and alcohol to cope with the long-term effects of trauma, low self-esteem, family difficulties, and mental health issues.

The problem with using drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism is that this may work in the beginning but drugs and alcohol will eventually fail you . Unfortunately, the user becomes dependent on the substance. The dependency can be physical and emotional. Addiction becomes a lifestyle that destroys relationships, the future, and the addict themselves.

Although addiction can begin as a negative coping skill to deal with past trauma, mental health and a variety of issues, before long the user develops tolerance and withdrawals. Tolerance is built when changes occur in the brain or body, causing the addict to need more of a substance in order to feel the same euphoric effects.

Drugs and alcohol provide a rush of “feel good” chemicals like dopamine and endorphins. As time progresses, the substances stop providing the same time type of euphoria. The pleasurable effect that drugs and alcohol provide subsides and the user develops withdrawal symptoms. WIthdrawal symptoms are only relieved by taking the substance. Withdrawals are physical in nature and depending on the substance used, can include tremors, insomnia, cramps, fever, sweating, hallucinations, and even death.

Once withdrawal and tolerance occur, the user needs the drug or alcohol just to feel normal. The user will crave the drug and do almost anything to relieve the discomfort that is happening. Once the cycle of withdrawal and tolerance begins, the user needs treatment, counseling and aftercare support in order to recover. If you or your loved one have signs of addiction, please seek help. Addiction is a serious issue that can lead to death. There is help available and you deserve the best that life has to offer.

The Kimberly Center offers the best in partial care programming for the treatment of addictions and co-occurring disorders. Providing a variety of treatment services with love and compassion, our clinical team serves to help clients heal mind, body, and spirit. Call us today for information: 855-4-KCENTER