The Deal About Substance Use Disorder

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Has it occurred to you that drug abuse and addiction is more than just a physical issue? Don't you think it could be a psychological problem? If there could be eating disorders, wouldn't there be a drinking disorder? Here's where it falls into.

Substance Use Disorder is the persistent use of drugs, including alcohol, despite having harmful effects of the usage and adverse consequences. It is the continuous use of these drugs, including alcohol, leading to health issues and problems in work, school and social life.

This disorder is also referred to as Substance abuse or drug addiction as it causes one to be unable to control the usage of such substances.

Substance Use Disorder is expressed in two ways; substance abuse and substance dependence. There isn’t much difference in the symptoms but in why and how these substances are used. Substance abuse is taking drugs, alcohol and even medications the wrong way while substance dependence is taking these substances in order for you to get something done or get over something.

There are so many causes of this disorder but for easy assimilation, we'll take a look at the factors behind these causes.

3 Risk Factors Of Substance Use Disorder

1. Family Environment.

A chaotic home environment affects every member of the family. If the home is toxic with consistent quarrels, fights and comparisons, members may be forced to indulge in these activities.

Lack of family involvement is another leading cause. People create this too-busy lifestyle and have no time for their kids, spouse and siblings. This in turn makes the victim turn to these substances in search of peace or happiness.

2. Peer Pressure.

This phrase is the reason we involve ourselves in things we wouldn't ordinarily do. There's a sentence written in every cigarettes pack that talks about the implications of taking them, not only on their packs but also in commercials and tv shows but yet these companies make great sales.

People start taking these substances because their peers do so or are probably pressurizing them to.

3. Coping Mechanisms.

Everyone has their different coping mechanisms but not all of them are healthy. A lot of times, people run to drugs or alcohol when they are going through difficult situations or after experiencing a traumatic event. People with mood disorders are also vulnerable as they find it difficult to control their moods and emotions and may decide to contain them.

Whether it is a coping mechanism or as a result of peer pressure, it is not advisable for one to turn to drugs or alcohol for support or a little dose of dopamine as it pleasure is temporary and its effects, critical.

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