You spend years abusing alcohol or drugs, told you’ll hit rock bottom, only to reach the point where you can’t take it anymore. You vow to never go back to your former lifestyle, clean your life up, have a plan, and manage your addiction.
Sometimes, rock bottom can feel like anything from getting fired to imprisonment and death. Anything that’ll force you to finally admit that you need help and change the course of your life for the better. That’s the clean path, though. The straight and narrow road is less traveled.
Here are some facts on how does addiction start and how it can escalate.
Read on to learn more!
A Brief History of Addiction
Addiction has been a problem throughout history. It is a disease that dates back to the early days of human civilization. The first recorded instance of addiction is in the ancient Egyptian text the “Ebers Papyrus” which mentions the use of drugs to treat various medical conditions.
The first known use of alcohol addiction is in the book of Genesis, where Noah gets drunk and is then cursed by his son Ham. The first instance of gambling addiction is in the Aristotelian text “Politics”, where Aristotle describes the dangers of gambling addiction.
In the 18th century, addiction was first treated as a medical condition by the pioneering doctor Benjamin Rush. Rush believed that addiction was a disease that needed to be treated with medical care and compassion. This idea was later elaborated on by the famous psychiatrist Sigmund Freud.
Freud believed that addiction was caused by psychological factors and could be cured by psychoanalysis. In the early 20th century, the first effective treatments for addiction were developed. These treatments included detoxification, rehabilitation, and 12-step programs.
The Impact of Addiction on Society
Addiction can be seen as a coping mechanism that people use to deal with difficult life circumstances. It is often thought of as a personal choice, but there is a strong genetic component to addiction.
Environmental factors, such as stress, can also contribute to the development of addiction. Addiction affects not only the individual but also their families and society as a whole.
Families of addicts often suffer from financial problems, emotional distress, and physical violence. Addiction can also lead to child abuse and neglect.
Treatment is available and can be effective, but it is often underutilized. The stigma surrounding addiction can make it difficult for people to seek help. This is why education and awareness are critical in reducing the impact of addiction on society.
How Does Addiction Start?
Addiction is a complex disease that can start from different points in a person’s life. The age of onset of addiction is often related to a person’s vulnerability to the disease and can vary greatly from person to person.
For some, addiction can start as early as adolescence, while for others it may not start until adulthood. Factors that can influence a person’s vulnerability to addiction include early exposure to drugs, family history of addiction, trauma, mental illness, and poverty.
If someone you know is struggling with addiction, get help from a professional. Below, you will see points on how can addiction start in an individual:
Addiction Can Start With Just One Use
It’s not like other things where you can use it once and be fine. Addiction is a disease that alters the way your brain works. It changes your brain chemistry and makes you crave the drug.
Addiction can start with just one use because the first time you use it, it lights up the pleasure centers in your brain and releases dopamine. Which will give you a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction. Afterward, your brain starts to associate the drug with this good feeling and starts to crave it more and more.
It can also start when you lose control over your urge to use. Often, it starts with the experimental use of a substance or engagement in an activity, followed by continued use despite the consequences.
As you lose control, your addiction grows stronger and more difficult to stop. They may try to quit, but the withdrawal symptoms are too strong.
They may try to cut back, but the cravings are too strong. To keep your addiction going, you may need to increase your use, try different substances or activities, or take greater risks.
Addiction takes hold and doesn’t let go. It can take over your life and cause serious problems.
Peer Pressure
One of the most common ways that addiction starts is through peer pressure. When someone is around others who are using drugs or alcohol, they are more likely to be pressured into trying it themselves.
This is especially true for young people who are still trying to figure out who they are and what they want in life. Peer pressure can lead to addiction because people who are addicted to substances often feel like they need to keep using them to fit in with their group of friends. When they feel isolated, they may turn to substances as a way to cope with their feelings.
They sometimes feel they don’t have anyone to talk to, trying to cope with something difficult in their life which might turn to drugs or alcohol to make them feel better.
This can become a problem if it’s the only way the person knows how to cope with their feelings. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including major life changes, trauma, and mental illness. This can lead to serious consequences, both short- and long-term.
No matter how it starts, addiction can quickly spiral out of control.
Family Genes
Many factors can contribute to addiction, but one of the most significant is family history. If addiction runs in your family, you’re more likely to struggle with substance abuse yourself.
Addiction can start from family genes in a few different ways. For example, you may be more genetically predisposed to addiction, or you may learn addictive behaviors from watching your parents or other relatives. Regardless of how it starts, addiction is a serious disease that can have devastating consequences.
And if by chance that someone in your family struggles with addiction, you may be at higher risk for developing an addiction yourself. That’s because addiction can be passed down through families.
While you may be more likely to develop an addiction if it runs in your family, it doesn’t mean that you’re guaranteed to become an addict. Many factors contribute to addiction, and family history is just one of them.
If you’re worried about your risk for addiction, talk to your doctor or mental health professional. They can help you understand your risks and develop a plan to protect your health.
Boredom or Seeking Adventure
People can get bored and want to find something new to do to mix things up. They may try something that they know is harmful, such as drugs or alcohol, just to see what it’s like.
Once they start, they may find that they like the pleasure principle that the substance gives them. And they keep using it because of a sense of excitement or escape from their everyday lives.
Addiction can also start when someone is seeking adventure. They may be curious to try it to see what it’s like. Once they start, they may find that they like the feeling that the substance gives them and they keep using it.
Development of Stress
Addiction does not discriminate. It can affect anyone regardless of age, sex, race, or socioeconomic status. Addiction often starts when people turn to substances or behaviors as a way to cope with stress.
The role of stress in the development of addiction is significant, as it is often a trigger for beginning drug use and can also contribute to continued use and relapse.
This can be due to personal problems or trauma, or even day-to-day stressors like work or financial worries. Over time, the person may begin to rely on the substance or behavior to cope with stress, and this can lead to addiction. Addiction is a serious problem that can have a profound effect on a person’s life.
Psychological Factors
Psychological factors play a role in the development and maintenance of addictions. These can include things like low self-esteem, stress, anxiety, and depression. Often, people turn to substances as a way to cope with these difficult emotions.
They may start out using recreationally, but eventually, develop an addiction as they begin to rely on the substance to cope. Psychological factors can also contribute to relapse after someone has gone through treatment.
If someone has unresolved issues, they may be more likely to turn back to substances as a way to cope. It’s important to address these issues in treatment and prevention so that people can learn healthy ways to cope with life’s challenges.
How Does Addiction Progress?
In most cases, it starts with what’s known as “the first step.” The first step is taking it for the first time. This can happen for many reasons. It usually starts with a person using a substance recreationally.
Maybe you’re curious about it and want to try it or someone you know offers it to you. Maybe you’re in a situation where it’s easy to get and you take it without thinking too much about it. Whatever the reason, once you take that first step, you’re on the road to addiction.
They may start to miss work or school, and they may start to neglect their responsibilities at home. Eventually, their use of the substance may become compulsive and they may be unable to control their urge to use it. At this point, they may be considered addicted.
The Long Road to Recovery
No matter how addiction starts, it is a serious disorder that can have disastrous consequences. If left untreated, addiction can lead to financial ruin, job loss, homelessness, and even death. Fortunately, addiction is a treatable condition.
The first step to recovery is admitting that there is a problem. From there, professional help can be sought to overcome the addiction. There are many success stories of people who have been able to overcome their addictions and lead happy healthy lives.
Addiction can be overcome also with the use of proper treatment, support, and dedication. That’s why continued support is necessary. So you can be aware of the risks and get help if you or someone you know is struggling.
It can help an individual identify the root causes of addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Support from family and friends can provide individuals with the motivation and encouragement they need to stay on track.
Addiction recovery is a long and difficult journey, but it is possible with the right resources. There are many ways to get help for addiction, and there is no shame in asking for help. It must be tailored to the individual, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Addiction treatments are also available to help you overcome addiction and live a healthy, sober life. Methods of treatment can include addiction therapy, medication, and self-help groups. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, please reach out for help.
Prevention is key to avoiding addiction. If you are prescribed medication, only take it as directed by your doctor. And if you feel like you may be developing a dependence, talk to your doctor about it.
Be Knowledgeable on How Does Addiction Starts
How does addiction start? Often, addiction starts with the misuse of a substance. This can happen when someone takes a substance for reasons other than what it is meant for, such as using pain medication to get high.
Addiction can also start from using a substance to cope with difficult life situations, such as trauma or stress. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please reach out for help.
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