There are many risk factors for addiction that can make some people more susceptible than others. Men and women who experience trauma as a child, have social anxiety, or live with depression are more likely to become addicted if they use drugs and alcohol to feel better. Addiction treatment can help anyone who is struggling with addiction and offers proven therapeutic techniques for treating addiction and any corresponding mental health disorders.
At Swift River, we are here for you or your loved one who is struggling with addiction to prescription opioids, alcohol, or other substances. The first step in the treatment process is running a full assessment of your health to place you in the appropriate program. This allows us to identify any risk factors for drug addiction and develop a treatment plan that addresses all aspects of recovery. For more information about our addiction treatment program, call 413.570.9698 or fill out our online form today, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
Why Some People Are at Higher Risk of Developing an Addiction
Many people are either unaware of the harm drugs and alcohol can cause or think they are immune to addiction because they are only social users. Regardless of their personal beliefs, age, sex, or economic background, addiction can affect anyone who abuses drugs or alcohol. Addiction affects the delicate chemical balance within your body and can cause physical dependence along with addiction.
Along with external influences that make someone more susceptible to addiction, there are genetic factors that come into play. Long-term addiction causes permanent changes to your DNA that can be passed down to children and increases their risk factors for addiction. Children who have a genetic craving for drugs and alcohol are likely to experiment as early as 11 or 12 years of age.
At Swift River, our team is familiar with all of the risk factors for alcohol use and drug abuse. A behavioral therapist will work one-on-one with you to create an atmosphere of open trust and communication where they expose the root cause of the addiction so that true healing can begin.
Risk Factors for Addiction
Not all risk factors for alcohol use and drug abuse are easy to spot or even known to the individual. A forgotten traumatic incident from childhood can have lingering effects that can make drugs and alcohol more appealing to them, as well as trying to fit into gender norms that it doesn’t feel right to them.
Some additional risk factors for addiction include:
- Genetics—Addiction can be passed down to children and significantly increase their risk of addiction more than any other factor. The effects that drugs and alcohol have will cause stronger cravings and withdrawals than others, and are more likely to abuse multiple substances.
- Family history/life—Families who don’t build close, personal relationships will not have good coping skills for dealing with stressful situations as they come up. Instead of talking about their feelings, they bottle them up and use drugs and alcohol to feel better. Families with a history of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse are also at higher risk for drug addiction.
- Depression—Men and women who experience persistent depression often use drugs and alcohol to cope with their feelings. Other mental health disorders where addiction is common include social anxiety, PTSD, borderline personality disorders, and other disorders.
There are many risk factors for alcohol use and drug abuse that can make men and women more susceptible to addiction. If you are struggling with addiction, the best way to recover is through an accredited addiction treatment facility.
Swift River – Massachusetts: Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Abuse
At Swift River, we help men and women from all walks of life who are struggling with addiction to heroin, alcohol, or other substances. We can identify risk factors for addiction and teach you healthy coping skills for managing your symptoms and triggers. Our treatment center has a full range of programs to treat all types of addiction, including:
- Inpatient treatment program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Mendication-assisted treatment
- Co-occurring disorder treatment
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, call 413.570.9698 today to talk with our caring team about enrolling at our addiction treatment center, or fill out our online form, and let us get back to you.
