Drug Abuse (cont.)
Why do some people become addicted, while others do not?
No single factor can
predict whether or not a person will become addicted to drugs. Risk for
addiction is influenced by a person's biology, social environment, and age or
stage of development. The more risk factors an individual has, the greater the
chance that taking drugs can lead to addiction. For example:
- Biology. The genes that people are born with—in combination with
environmental influences—account for about half of their addiction
vulnerability. Additionally, gender, ethnicity, and the presence of other mental
disorders may influence risk for drug abuse and addiction.
- Environment. A person's environment includes many different influences—from
family and friends to socioeconomic status and quality of life in general.
Factors such as peer pressure, physical and sexual abuse, stress, and parental
involvement can greatly influence the course of drug abuse and addiction in a
person's life.
- Development. Genetic and environmental factors interact with critical
developmental stages in a person's life to affect addiction vulnerability, and
adolescents experience a double challenge. Although taking drugs at any age can
lead to addiction, the earlier that drug use begins, the more likely it is to
progress to more serious abuse. And because adolescents' brains are still
developing in the areas that govern decisionmaking, judgment, and self-control,
they are especially prone to risk-taking behaviors, including trying drugs of
abuse.
Prevention is the key
Drug addiction is a preventable disease. Results from
NIDA-funded research have shown that prevention programs that involve the
family, schools, communities, and the media are effective in reducing drug
abuse. Although many events and cultural factors affect drug abuse trends, when
youths perceive drug abuse as harmful, they reduce their drug taking. It is
necessary, therefore, to help youth and the general public to understand the
risks of drug abuse and for teachers, parents, and healthcare professionals to
keep sending the message that drug addiction can be prevented if a person never
abuses drugs.
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
Last Editorial Review: 2/26/2008
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