A big question mark and often a most interesting one to study, is the aspect of genetics in relation to addiction and substance abuse. Genetics play a big role in the predisposition of some people’s vulnerability to substance abuse that leads to addiction. When there is a genetic link or an inherited propensity for addiction, this does not necessarily mean the person will be an addict. It just means that the risk factors are higher. Another concern in the incidence of substance abuse is mental health and mental illness issues. So often the victims of mental illness have a higher incidence of substance abuse than the average person. Those afflicted will abuse alcohol or drugs in an effort to self medicate or feel better about themselves.
Environmental causes are another notable reason for the abuse of drugs and alcohol. If someone is exposed to the acceptance of drug and alcohol throughout their lives growing up, such an environment can influence them to think it is acceptable and therefore they sometimes experiment and abuse them. An abusive situation can also lead to addiction in that in order to cope or escape the situation, the victim will use substances. Mental health and environmental reasons are why substance abuse treatment centers advocate therapy as part of the healing process, for the addict to try and learn about themselves and why they abuse substances. Once those reasons become clear, they can be dealt with and life can be good again.
