Are you one of your parents or a person in your family who struggled with alcohol abuse or drug addiction? Do you notice yourself showing similar behaviors and patterns that could indicate a problem? Discover what could cause a bigger problem prior to following the footsteps of others.
Genetic Factors
Based on the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH), “as as much as 50% of the risk of being addicted to alcohol, nicotine or any other drug is based on their genetic composition.” It’s not the case of a “life sentence” in the sense of a sentence however it’s something to take note of.
In the event that you’ve a parent who has a history of addiction to drugs or alcohol, or a predisposition to abuse or misuse drugs or alcohol, odds don’t stack up against you. It doesn’t mean that you’re at risk of developing dependency issues that you’re not experiencing but it could be a sign of an increased risk of addiction. This is valuableand could be lifesaving information that you can utilize to your advantage should you are having difficulty. The awareness of your situation can help you stay in control.
Family Habits and Accepted Behaviour
When kids grow up in a world where they are exposed to abuse of substances in their lives, it could appear “normal” or something they’ve become used to. Adults in these situations aren’t likely to want to encourage younger generations to follow their example. But, the examples they provide can be persuasive even without any explicit pressure or persuasion.
The early exposure to drugs and alcohol and the lack of laws and rules, stressful families, and a absence of accountability, responsibility and structure may lead to issues in the future as the child ages. This kind of behavior can be integrated with family dynamics when children reach adulthood. While it is not considered to be dangerous, as addiction is affect some families type of behavior may not be a cause for the same amount of worry.
If you suspect that your family’s habits are unstable, unhealthy or placing your life at risk, get assistance outside of your family unit by seeking counseling. It is important to concentrate on your health before you help your family members deal with their own and collective issues.
Triggers And Temptations
Certain events, situations, or even emotions could cause you to use alcohol or other drugs to cope. You may also experience an increase in excitement due to a reduction in inhibitions.
From boredom to joy to stress can lead to an addict or a person who is inclined to drink or use drugs to indulge. A simple curiosity or access may be enough to lead you in this direction. Self-medicating to deal with issues such as anxiety and depression could appear like the only way to get through the day. There’s also peer pressure, that can be a problem within families, which can lead to poor decisions and nobody to count on for safety or help.
Assistance
Be prepared and proactive. If you’re concerned that you might be heading into similar directions as a relative who has struggled (or is currently fighting) alcohol or drug dependence be sure to address your concerns immediately. Any inkling that your behavior or choices could be a cause for concern or are unhealthy is enough reason to seek out help.
It is possible to talk to a counselor, your doctor, or even a friend or family member that you could confide in. Recognizing the issue is a crucial element in laying the foundations for sobriety.
