Whether you’re personally affected by this issue or simply interested in learning more, note there is always help. South Africa Rehab Center is one of the many available help out there. Substance use disorder can be a challenging and multifaceted condition, with various factors influencing its development. It can develop at various different paces on each individual. But why? This can be affected by these complex factors.
Brain Chemistry
Our brain is a remarkable organ, responsible for controlling our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. When it comes to substance use disorder, brain chemistry plays a significant role in its development. You see, substances like drugs or alcohol have the power to hijack our brain’s reward system. They flood our brains with dopamine—a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. The repeated exposure to these substances can lead to changes in the way our brain functions. Over time, our brains become less responsive to natural rewards including food or social interactions. Instead, they crave the instant gratification provided by drugs or alcohol.
Mental Health Conditions
Most people with mental health issues turn to substances as a way to cope with their symptoms or escape from the pain they are experiencing. Conditions which can range from depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can all elevate the risk of developing substance abuse problems. These conditions often create feelings of distress and discomfort that individuals may try to alleviate through self-medication. Moreover, there is also evidence that suggests a bidirectional relationship between substance abuse and mental health disorders. Substance abuse can make existing mental health conditions even worse. Often, it can also contribute to the development of new ones.
The Access and Exposure to the Substance
In many cases, individuals who have easy access to drugs or alcohol tend to develop a substance use disorder. For example, living in neighborhoods with high rates of drug availability or having friends who regularly use substances can increase a person’s likelihood of trying them. In fact, being constantly surrounded by people who engage in substance abuse can normalize this behavior and make it seem acceptable or even desirable. Additionally, individuals may be exposed through media portrayals that glamorize drug or alcohol use.
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Also known as ACEs, these are traumatic events that happen during childhood and can have a lasting impact on an individual’s development. These experiences may include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, household dysfunction such as witnessing domestic violence or substance abuse, or even growing up in a household with mental illness. Research has shown that ACEs can significantly uplift the risk of developing SUDs later in life. The trauma experienced during childhood can disrupt normal brain development and affect how individuals cope with stress. It can trigger maladaptive behaviors such as turning to substances to escape or self-medication.
Understanding the multiple factors that contribute to the development of substance use disorder allows us to approach prevention and treatment more effectively. But how can people with SUD regain and improve their lives? A set of treatments from any rehab center can help.