Substance abuse is on the rise in the United States. Over the past 20 years, the annual number of drug overdose deaths has quadrupled. Opioids are the leading cause of these deaths, and in 2011 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classified the country's opioid problem as an epidemic.

Overdose deaths have also been soaring since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The CDC reported that the annual number of overdose deaths has increased by almost 30% since April 2020. Anxiety and isolation caused by COVID-19 have pushed many people to use drugs and alcohol. Drugs can be a source of distraction and comfort during uncertain times, but the consequences can be deadly.

What Causes Addiction?

Addiction is a highly stigmatized disease, but it can happen to anyone. The causes of addiction vary. They can be biological, genetic, or environmental.

• Family history: A family history of addiction can play a role in developing substance abuse problems. Children with alcoholics in their immediate family are 4 to 10 times more likely to become alcoholics themselves.

• Home environment: Being surrounded by drugs and alcohol can normalize substance abuse. Neglect in an unstable home can lead someone to start using drugs and alcohol too.

• Abuse: A history of abuse can cause someone to use drugs and alcohol. Childhood or ongoing abuse is traumatic, and this trauma can be overwhelming. Someone might start using substances to forget or distract from their trauma.

• Other mental health issues: People suffering from anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues might use drugs or alcohol to cope with symptoms.

• Peer pressure: Sometimes a person's introduction to drugs comes from a friend or sibling. They might start using drugs or alcohol to feel included and accepted in their social circle.

• Life changes: Major events like losing a job, divorce, or a car accident can push a person to start using drugs or alcohol. Temporary problems can feel catastrophic too. Sometimes a poor grade or fight with a close friend can be the tipping point.

• Financial problems: Addiction is more common amongst people living in poverty. The stress of not being able to afford rent, food, or other basic needs can make someone feel helpless.

How to get help

• Detoxification: The withdrawal that a person feels when they stop using can discourage sobriety. Detoxification helps with the discomfort that an individual feels once they stop using.

• Rehab programs: Detoxification is a great first step, but long-term sobriety requires mental healing too. Rehab programs provide patients with a stable environment that encourages healthy coping skills.

• Outpatient services: Many people who suffered from addiction will relapse after rehab. Returning to a familiar environment can encourage familiar behaviors. Follow-up and continued support after in-patient programs are vital for recovery.

• Continued life changes: Sometimes the key to recovery is starting fresh. Recovery can require cutting off people who encourage drug use.

Why take addiction seriously?

The causes of addiction vary, but it does not discriminate. Anyone can suffer from substance abuse problems. Drugs and alcohol are often used as a means to cope with mental health issues. Someone might also start using drugs because of boredom or isolation.

The onset of the coronavirus pandemic has correlated with a spike in overdose deaths. Overdose deaths are currently the number one cause of death for individuals under 50. The country's drug problem is truly an epidemic, and overdose deaths continue to rise.

Addiction wreaks havoc on users and their loved ones. It can lead to financial hardships, broken relationships, mental health issues, and serious medical issues. Reach out today to start this life-changing work.

To learn more about how addiction is a disease, consider reading Understanding Addiction: Know Science, No Stigma by Drs. Chuck Smith and Jason Hunt. It is available on Amazon.