Drug addiction is a growing problem in the world todays, and it takes the lives of too many young people every day. There are rehabilitation centers and programs available for people who have already started drugs, but a far more effective way to treat addiction is to stop it from ever starting. Narconon Arrowhead has recently released an illustrated series of booklets outlining addiction and what truly causes it. Here are some of the most common causes for addiction.
Stressful Life Change
Young people who have just started at a new school, moved to a new city or entered into some other type of stressful life change are more likely to try to alleviate their stress through substance abuse. Oftentimes, finding an easy fix seems easier than confronting the real problem at hand. However, trying illegal drugs even once can lead to addiction.
Social pressure
Growing up in today’s world can be tough. Social media outlets are used as a means to anonymously bully others. Your popularity can be measured by the number of likes you get on your Facebook posts or how many times you are “re-tweeted.” Peer pressure has always been an issue for people young and old, but almost never has it been more visible. Part of the peer pressure any young person can expect to experience is the pressure to use drugs and drink alcohol. Young people can find it difficult to be the outsider who doesn’t participate in such activates because it could cause them to feel like a social outcast.
Financial Stress
Many young people today have to work two or more minimum wage jobs in order to earn enough money to make ends meet. If minimum wage had increased in ratio to inflation, this may not have been such a problem. Wages have not kept pace with the increased price of living, however, so Americans of every demographic are feeling financial stress like never before.
Facing this stress can lead many people to look for a release in drug use. When life becomes too much and the bills are piling up, why not just get high? It doesn’t matter that this never solves the problem in the long run, more Americans are getting addicted every day for just this reason.
Emotional stress
Another reason for trying drugs and alcohol has to do with emotional stress. Emotional stress can come from dating, family relationships and the loss of loved ones. Unfortunately, it is common for young people to lose someone around their own age to an accident before they graduate from high school.
After the loss of a loved one, thoughts about life and death can cause young people to feel depressed about the facts of the world. Looking for a way to feel free and young again as they go through a normal period of growing up is a common reason for trying drugs and alcohol and can lead to addiction.
Environment
Possibly the most common cause for drug and alcohol use and abuse is the environment in which young people are raised. If they grow up in an area where adult authority figures use drugs and drink alcohol, young people are very likely to try the substance themselves. Setting a good example for young people is thus extremely important in keeping them off drugs and alcohol.
Providing the truth about drugs and addiction to young people can also be an effective way to prevent use and addiction. If you or someone you know would like more information about the Narconon informational booklets and rehabilitation services, contact Arrowhead today.
Sources:
PR Web: Narconon Arrowhead Releases Illustrates Series on Addiction Booklet; Rehab Program Breaks down each component of addiction and recovery in free publication http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/12/prweb11380932.htm
The Truth About Becoming Addicted: Learning the Truth About Addiction http://www.becomingaddicted.org/