Risk factors and protective factors affect drug use. Why do some people start using drugs? What causes one person to develop an addiction and another not to? Is it possible to avoid an individual starting to use a substance? What can be done to prevent drug addiction? There are many questions surrounding addictions.
There are various elements surrounding addictions that directly affect this illness, for better or worse. These are known as risk factors and protective factors,
Risk factors increase the chances of developing an addiction and contribute negatively to this disorder. Protective factors, on the other hand, reduce the likelihood of suffering from an addiction.
CCAdicciones is a detox centre specialising in addiction treatment, whether substance-related or not. It offers up to 12 different treatments to overcome all types of addictions.
What drives/prevents an addiction?
Anyone can develop an addiction to a substance or an addictive behaviour. No one is exempt from suffering from this illness because it does not correspond to any specific characteristic. There is no single specific reason why people start using drugs; it can happen for multiple causes. Sometimes it does not even depend directly on the person in question, but on external factors. Risk factors and protective factors have a direct effect on drug use.
Although, as we have mentioned, there is no explanation for why someone starts using drugs, there are risk factors that encourage their use. We can distinguish different factors: genetic, environmental, social, or even the person’s own personality.
Risk factors
- Genetic factors. Genetic vulnerability will mean that certain individuals are more prone to developing an addiction. This is the phenomenon that explains why two people can use exactly the same substance, at the same time and in an identical amount, and one develops an addiction and the other does not. Having a family history of addiction can also be a trigger for developing this type of disorder.
- Environmental factors. Not only internal factors affect the development of an addiction, but external ones as well. The environment a person is in will affect their relationship with drugs. For example, if an adolescent does not have parental supervision and rules to follow, it is more likely that a lack of control will prevail in their life and that they will start using a substance out of rebellion or to experience new sensations. Even if there are cases of addiction in their family or friendship environment and drug use is normalised, it will be more likely that the person ends up using. In short, it is perceived as something normal and also completely within their reach.
- Social factors. Lack of resources, poverty, being under a lot of stress, etc. These are social and environmental elements that encourage drug use. Drug use is used as a way to escape and disconnect from reality.
- The individual’s personality. Factors such as age, self-esteem, emotional instability, mental illness, or the individual’s own character have an influence.
Protective factors
Just as there are factors that favour the onset of an addiction, there are also others that delay use in adolescents or directly prevent it. What are the most common protective factors?
- The family environment. Having communication within the environment. Parents who set limits and rules. It is important to educate children about the danger of using drugs. Being in a safe, protective environment reduces the likelihood of suffering from an addiction. The family must set the example of living a healthy life away from drug dependence.
- Awareness and prevention work. For example, educational programmes in schools to show the dangers of drugs and addictive behaviours. Many times, younger people start using a drug because they have an extremely low perception of risk. They are not aware of the risks involved in using drugs. For this reason, it is so important to carry out awareness and prevention work with adolescents to prevent them from starting to use a substance thinking it is not harmful to their wellbeing.
- Going to a specialised centre and doing therapy with professionals who are experts in addictions when necessary. It is important that, in a phase of abuse, when an addiction has not yet developed, people know how to ask for help. This will prevent the addiction from getting worse and worse.
Addiction Treatment
Even if protective factors have been applied, putting them into practice is not a certain guarantee that the person will not develop an addiction. Just as risk factors are not synonymous with having to suffer an addiction. In cases where an addiction disorder has appeared, it is recommended to go to a specialised addiction centre. Starting treatment will be a decisive step towards being able to move closer to a life free from addictions.
CCAdicciones offers a toxin-free treatment aimed at people who need to detox or break dependence on substances or toxic behaviours. We know it is possible to leave the addiction you want to overcome within 21 to 60 days. With a method, a team of professionals, and suitable facilities to facilitate the recovery process from an addiction.
Leaving addictions behind
CCAdicciones is a therapeutic detox and rehabilitation clinic located in Roda de Berà. The perfect place to start again. It is surrounded by nature and tranquillity. It has a professional medical team and a wide range of services: medical, therapeutic, family support… In addition, it offers all the comforts to make patients’ stay as easy as possible. You can choose between single or double rooms with a bathroom, and enjoy the shared areas: living room, dining room, gym, infirmary…
If you need professional help to prevent an addiction or to overcome this illness, CCAdicciones is what you are looking for. Do not hesitate and get in touch with us for whatever you need. We are available 24 hours a day at the following phone number: 617 200 882. You are our priority.
