Drug Addiction: Causes, Risk Factors & Symptoms

Causes

The cause of drug abuse and dependence is unknown, although there are a variety of theories. One theory holds that there may be a genetic component that predisposes a person toward using and abusing drugs. Another theory is that drug abuse is a learned behavior and that people begin to use drugs by copying the behavior of those around them.

Medical professionals have not been able to target a specific cause.
Brain chemicals may alter the user's perception of the drug's effects. Long-term drug use changes brain function and may reinforce the desire to keep using drugs regardless of the consequences.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors include:

• Sex: male
• Age: youth
• Family members with substance abuse problems
• Early antisocial behavior
• Social and peer pressure
• Stress
• Associating with people who abuse drugs
• Easy access to drugs
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Panic disorders

Symptoms

Denial that a drug problem exists is common. Drug abuse can occur without physical dependence. To definitively diagnose drug abuse, the symptoms must have lasted for at least 12 months. Symptoms include:

• Repeated work, school, or home problems due to drug use
• Continued use of drugs even though it means risking physical safety
• Recurring trouble with the law related to drug use, including impaired driving
• Continuing to use drugs despite drug-related problems in personal relationships

Drug abuse often progresses to drug dependence. Symptoms of drug dependence include at least three of the following:

• Craving for the substance
• Inability to stop or limit drug use
• Tolerance—taking greater amounts to feel the same effect
• Withdrawal symptoms that occur when the drug is stopped
• Significant amounts of time trying to acquire drugs and recover from their effects
• Giving up activities to use drugs or recover from the effects
• Drug use continues even when it causes or worsens health and/or psychological problems