Addiction Vulnerability Factors

Addiction is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioral variables. According to research, people with certain underlying genes are more prone to alcohol and drug addiction. Peer group attitudes regarding alcohol and drugs are examples of behavioral risk factors. Addiction risks may also be triggered by chemical reactions in an individual’s genes. For example, chemical reactions in people who smoke cigarettes for enjoyment on a daily basis may develop into an addiction. Personally, there are various factors in my life that make me more vulnerable to alcohol addiction and drugs abuse. For instance, the availability of alcohol and drugs in my college environment make me to be highly vulnerable to alcohol and drug use addiction. peer pressure in the learning environments also acts as a contributing factor that may lead to my vulnerability towards addiction. many of the social gatherings and functions in my college is popular with alcohol and friends. Avoiding consumption of alcohol in such occasions comes with the risk of being alienated from friends. Lastly, i have various members of my extended family who are either addicted to alcohol or have previously been addicted to alcohol in the past. Since the vulnerability to alcohol and drug addiction is not based on individual moral code of ethic, the possibility of hereditary inheriting addiction genealogy from my family tree makes me more vulnerable to addiction.

Shielding oneself from potential addictions is not an easy task. It requires self-control and mastering of various life skills. Personally, there are various things I can engage in to shield myself from potential addiction way. For instance, learning to become more socially integrated. One of the major factors for addiction fear of peer alienation. Creating more friends will help in the creation of a larger social group that will in turn contribute to sobriety. Another important aspect is to stay away from difficult emotional situations that may contribute alcohol and drug consumption. For instance, staying away from alcohol joints as well as drug dealers will help handle strong emotions towards drugs and alcohol. Also, addiction come as a result prolonged use of certain drugs and alcohol. Thus, avoiding falling victim to relapses of drug use may act as a shield to potential drug addiction. in this case, I would engage myself in healthier activities such as meditation, exercising or playing with pets.

Some addiction vulnerability factors can be controlled while others are not easy to control. In my case, there are various vulnerabilities that within my reach to control albeit with negative social effects. For instance, the issue of availability of drugs can be avoided through shunning the consumption spots and peer groups that are associated with alcohol and drug consumption. This actions however come with the risk of being socially alienated from this particular groups. also, having sibling or family member who consumes drugs and alcohol does not necessary mean am genetically formed to consume alcohol. Such behavioral factors for alcohol consumption can be controlled b=by engaging in activities such as controlling emotions. Other activities I can engage in to control behavioral factors to alcohol addiction include learning coping mechanisms to avoid stress. Stressful lives lead to consumption of alcohol to drawn the stress.

Drug and alcohol addiction of an individual can be determined by various indicators such as high dependence on alcohol, experiences of withdrawal signs and social relationships. Personally, various indicators exist to provide an insight into the likeliness of developing alcohol and substance addiction. for instance, my control of drug use indicates am not likely to develop an addiction. for instance, I nearly always can get through a week without using alcohol and do not feel bad about not taking alcohol. lack of control over drug and alcohol use indicates that one is likely to be addicted to alcohol. Also, although I often indulge in alcohol taking, my relationship with family and friends has never been compromised.

Other personal indicators of the likeliness to develop an addiction include my activities related to alcohol use and drug abuse. For instance, I have never been arrested for possession of drugs due to illegal activities to obtain alcohol. Often people likely to develop an addiction engage in activities that may get them on the wrong side with the law. For instance, many addicts often find themselves involved in activities such as fights, loss of jobs and illegal activities to obtain drugs. Lastly, I have never experienced withdrawal symptoms as a result of alcohol intake. Individuals likely to develop alcohol and drug addiction often experience withdrawal symptoms such as memory loss and other medical problems. also, I have never been involved in any treatment program as a result of drug and alcohol use. Addiction comes due to dependency of alcohol and drugs. Such symptoms often lead to the placement of such individuals in a treatment program preferably a rehabilitation center.