Causes of Drug Abuse

Causes of Drug Abuse

There are various biological and psycho- social factors that help to initiate substance abuse in an individual.

There are certain common factors that are associated with the cause of drug abuse. They are-

1. Biological Factors:

• Family history, genetic predisposition
• Preexisting psychiatric or personality disorder, or a medical disorder.

• Reinforcing effects of drugs.
• Withdrawal effects and craving.
• Biochemical factors

2. Psychological Factors:

• Curiosity
• As a novelty.
• Social rebelliousness.
• Early initiation
• Poor control.
• Sensation seeking. (Feeling high).
• Low self-esteem (Anomie).
• Poor stress management.
• Childhood loss or trauma.

• As a relief from fatigue or boredom.
• To escape reality.
• No interest in conventional goals.
• Psychological distress.

3. Social factors:

• Peer pressure. (One of the most important causes.)
• Role-Modeling
• Easy availability of alcohol and drugs.
• Conflicts (usually intrafamilial).
• Religious reasons.
• Lack of social or familial support.
• Social attitude.
• Rapid urbanization