Individuals seeking treatment for their addiction might contemplate, "How did I get here?". An individual needs to understand the nature of their disease- the physiological impact on their body. Similarly, they need to recognize the ins and outs of the causes of their addiction; only then will it be more comprehensible to them. This persistent education and self-exploration pave the way for a successful sober life.
Knowing if the addiction is hereditary or learned behaviour also opens the door to a less complicated addiction recovery journey where a more effective treatment plan can be devised. Dive in to find out the role of nature and nurture in developing an addiction and how this information can enhance one's treatment.
The majority of Individuals still hold misconceptions that surround addiction- it is a matter of choice; it is the failure of one's character or morals. In reality, addiction is a disease, and science has further clarified it by showing that addiction has a genetic propensity behind it. Genetics and external factors (social or environmental factors) contribute to the initial drug intake and even the transition from use to addiction. Addiction is said to be moderate to highly a result of hereditary.
Researchers have explained that the closer an individual shares a relationship with the individual suffering from addiction, the more likely they will develop an addiction. For example, even when we know that alcoholism is hereditary if an individual's father is an alcoholic, they are more likely to develop alcohol use disorder than if their aunt was an alcoholic. Witnessing a close one struggle with addiction can also help clear the roadblock towards getting treatment from an alcohol abuse treatment centre.
The untangleable knot of the genetic and environmental influences over a person can further be witnessed when we closely look at how learned behaviour contributes to the development of addiction.
Learned behaviour acts as a catalyst and underpinning of addiction. Social and environmental factors play a huge role in developing an addiction. For instance, a teenager growing in an environment witnessing pop culture or succumbing to peer pressures. The drive to fit in and be accepted in humans makes them go to great lengths, even if it requires them to take a drink. The influence of these peer pressures never fades away, an adult to face pressures concealed in the veil of humour. At any age, peer pressure is detrimental for the individual at the receiving end. Giving in to this pressure gives rise to addiction. The Best Nasha Mukti Kendra teaches individuals the strategies to deal with these situations of peer pressure and help them resocialize.
Studies show that both nature and nurture play an important role in developing an addiction within a vulnerable individual. As an individual grows up, the external factors such as social and environmental cues take the lead while the biological factors take a back seat in the development of addiction. Thus, it is fair to say that addiction is hereditary and learned.
Determining the causes of any disorder makes it easier to treat. Understanding that multiple sources result in addiction helps the Best Drug Addiction Treatment Centre to target them specifically during the treatment. Given the role nature and nurture plays in developing an addiction- where one picks up as the other leaves make addiction appear unavoidable for an individual with both affected genes and a stressful environment such as social pressures.
A study observed that genetic influences of cannabis, nicotine, and alcohol addiction are lower in the early teenage years. Still, it increases gradually as one moves towards adulthood. On the other hand, family environmental influences decline from childhood to adulthood. One can infer that as individuals grow and mature, they can shape their choices and surroundings, thus increasing the importance of genotype.
The multifaceted nature of addiction proves the importance of an individualized approach to treatment.
