Psychology of Substance Abuse
Understanding substance abuse requires careful examination of a multitude of factors, both internal and external. An individual's genetic predisposition for abusing drugs or alcohol may play a role, and environmental influences may catapult the behavior. People suffering from a mental illness, whether a common social disorder or a more severe illness such as bipolar disorder, often abuse substances to reduce negative symptoms. Social concerns such as peer pressure and stress also may contribute to substance abuse.-
Genetic Influences
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In 2005, Nature Neuroscience reported a strong connection between substance abuse and genetic predisposition. Psychological analysis of substance abuse indicates that susceptibility to mistreating mind-altering materials increases if the person possesses a genetic inclination, as opposed to a person who does not possess the same inherited traits.
Considerations
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Searching for the reasons for substance abuse often leads to an underlying mental health issue. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that as many as half of the mentally ill population also abuse drugs or alcohol. When substance abuse exists, considerations of a primary condition are required to help understand a person's desire to abuse substances.
Influences
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Social factors, including peer pressure and stress, have long contributed to substance abuse. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, organized by The United States Department of Health and Human Services, reports a clear connection between peer pressure and substance abuse. The desire to belong in a social situation often causes children and young adults to engage in drug or alcohol abuse, which then leads to a learned behavior that can carry over into adulthood. Stress is a common cause of substance abuse among adults, as reported in a study completed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse regarding the stress caused during the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Warnings
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The National Institute on Drug Abuse offers information suggesting that repeated substance abuse leads to addiction, due to both changes in the brain and habitual behaviors and external reinforcements. Deeper and deeper dependence may result if the pattern is not broken.
Prevention
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Methods of prevention comprise a portion of analyzing the psychological factors that contribute to substance abuse. According to the Office of National Criminal Justice Reference Service, prevention works best when started with young children. Research with children, started in 1998 and continued through to 2008, indicate that measures taken by the White House Drug Policy organization help prevent substance abuse. These measures include encouraging parental involvement and creating a solid intervention plan and a comprehensive education plan.
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