Researchers have spent years attempting to determine the cause of addiction. Addiction professionals have determined that there really is not an established cause and effect process for addiction. The fact remains that if you consume drugs or alcohol, you increase the risks of developing a physical dependence to drugs and alcohol.

Addiction professionals and researchers have identified several risk factors for developing an addiction to alcohol or drugs. Understanding the risks can help you or loved ones develop knowledge on the subject, in an effort to prevent addiction. Even if dependency is part of your story, it doesn’t define you. You are not addiction.

Experiencing trauma, especially childhood trauma, is a risk factor for addiction. This doesn’t mean everyone who experiences trauma will develop a dependency. Part of addiction is that it’s a coping mechanism. Strong recovery means replacing negative coping tools with healthy skills.

Social pressure has been known to be a risk factor for many years. If you associate with people who use substances, you have a higher risk of addiction if you use drugs or alcohol. This factor includes being exposed to substances in childhood or witnessing substance use.

Being genetically predisposed has long been thought to be an addiction risk factor. Being exposed to substance use in utero, or a parent was substance dependent, increases the risks of addiction.

Untreated mental health concerns can increase the risks of addiction. Untreated is the key word here. You can have a happy, healthy, and whole life with depression, anxiety, or past trauma, because you aren’t a label.

All in all, there are several theories on why addictions develop. Recovery is completely possibly no matter what your upbringing, experiences, or history are. Recovery and treatment will teach you new coping skills, provide healing, and give you a new life.

Learning to take care of yourself is the key to recovery. Eating well, being around supportive people, having fun, and focusing on your wellness is how you recover. Risk factors, mental health concerns, and your personal history don’t define you. Instead, these experiences are part of your story. You are strong, and well worth recovery.

At The Kimberly Center, we care about you. Call us now at 855-4-KCENTER to learn more about what treatment means for you. We are committed to helping stop the cycle of addiction with education and treatment. At the Kimberly Center, you can trust that you are in safe hands.