Addiction can affect a person’s behavior, relationships, and health, and most people need addiction treatment to overcome it. The first step to treating addiction is identifying its root cause. Mental illness, trauma, and chronic stress are some of the causes of addiction. Learn how addiction treatment centers address different causes of addiction below:
1. Family and Genetics
People with a family history of substance abuse are at a higher risk of developing addiction. Some studies also suggest that nearly 50% of a person’s risk of becoming addicted to substances can be linked to genetics. That means you might be susceptible to substance abuse issues if you had a parent who suffered from drug addiction.
Sometimes people may replicate bad coping habits learned from parents or close family members suffering from addiction. If a person watched a family member use drugs to cope with difficult emotions, they may also use drugs to avoid their emotions. Addiction treatment centers may use behavioral therapy to treat addiction resulting from harmful coping habits inherited from the family.
2. Mental Health Disorders
Sometimes people are unaware that they have mental health disorders, which prevents them from seeking treatment. Such a person may deal with uncomfortable symptoms and emotions daily. Some individuals may self-medicate to alleviate their emotional pain. Using drugs to escape mental illness triggers the brain’s reward system, which puts one at risk of being entangled in a cycle of addiction. Some mental health disorders that put someone at risk of addiction include the following:
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
Rehabilitation centers screen patients for mental disorders before beginning treatment. If a patient has a mental disorder, treatment centers can use treatments that address the mental health issue while helping them recover from addiction.
3. Trauma and Adverse Life Events
Adverse childhood experiences leave trauma that may last for years if not addressed. Some people use drugs to suppress the memories of their traumatic childhood, which leaves them dependent on substances. Emotional and physical abuse, neglect, or losing a loved one can also cause deep emotional wounds, causing someone to develop harmful coping mechanisms.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an effective solution addiction treatment centers may use to address addiction caused by traumatic events. During the therapy, patients learn to replace traumatic memories with positive images and harmful coping mechanisms with healthier habits. Rehab centers also offer counseling to help patients deal with unresolved emotional wounds.
4. Chronic Stress
High-stress levels trigger the release of hormones like cortisol, which can cause anxiety and mood swings. Sometimes people use drugs like benzodiazepines to manage stress. Overusing these drugs can evolve into a substance abuse problem. Treatment centers train patients on stress management techniques like mindfulness and meditation to help them cope with stress.
Find Help at Addiction Treatment Centers
Addiction recovery treatment centers offer several treatment options for patients. If you or a loved one suffers from addiction, you can attend a 12-step program, ART, or cognitive behavioral therapy to help you overcome your drug habit. By getting into a program that addresses the root cause of your dependency on a substance or drug, you may improve your chances of overcoming that addiction.