Who Develops Addiction?

There are many risk factors that increase the chances of an individual’s drug use progressing to addiction. NO SINGLE FACTOR can determine if a person will develop an Alcohol or Substance Use Disorder.

 3 most common risk factors:

  • Biology

  • Environment

  • Development 

Biology

Genetics account for about half of a person’s risk for developing an addiction

Environment

Examples of environmental factors that place individuals at risk for addiction include:

  • Family (exposure to drug/alcohol use in the home)

  • Friends (individuals with friends who abuse drugs/alcohol have increased curiosity, exposure & access)

  • Socioeconomic Status

  • Peer Pressure

  • Childhood Trauma

  • Early Exposure to Drugs & Alcohol

Development

The earlier drug use begins, the greater risk there is for addiction, as the human brain does not fully develop until an individual is between the ages of 21 – 25 years old