Addiction’s Genesis
Young folks are dying. They are overdosing on opioids. You may be wondering how this young individual ended up in such a terrible situation. As each addiction situation is unique, let’s go back in time to when we were younger to better understand how addiction begins and how to avoid it from happening. Generally speaking, there are three ingredients. First, teenagers have a lot to deal with, and many of them are attempting to answer the question, “Who am I?” What is my identity, and what is their worry? When questioned, teenagers stated that dealing with the pressures and stress of school was the main reason they consumed drugs. Some teenagers also have to deal with stress at home. There might be emotional neglect, abuse, divorce, a sick family member, an addicted family member, financial difficulties brought on by a loved one’s passing, or other difficulties. Many teenagers also struggle with social anxiety or depression.
In addition to a lot to cope with some teenagers through no fault of their own, have poor coping skills. Maybe their parent or parents have been caught up in their work or other family crises. And do not even realize that their teenage child needs help. Maybe their parent or parents are struggling themselves and are simply not able to teach their kids how to constructively cope with life and teens who experience day-to-day, depression or social anxiety may develop an unwarranted negative self-image. This can make it tougher to cope. The third ingredient to addiction that may be present includes certain brain chemistry. Some people by virtue of how their brain processes chemicals get hooked easier. You can attribute this to your family tree. Otherwise known as genetics, genetics, susceptibility doesn’t have to be present for a teen to develop an addiction, but it can increase their chances.
Addiction can occur even if none of these three components are present. Any one element, if powerful enough, can push a teen toward addiction. How does addiction begin, then? What happens is this? Teens have weak coping mechanisms and a lot to deal with. They experiment with booze and drugs. Perhaps the chemistry of their brains makes them more vulnerable. The teen’s brain discovers that using alcohol or drugs, at least in the short term, allows them to temporarily ignore or forget the pressures in their life, which is a poor coping mechanism. That may develop into their identity. They might find a way to fit in socially and have fun with the party friend who will try everything or a peddler. It might reward them for a while by aiding them to ignore their stress. Then teen begins abusing alcohol or drugs more regularly.
The breakdown occurs at this point. Three things happen with repeated use. The teen’s brain has learned that using alcohol and drugs temporarily helps them cope; nevertheless, with continued usage, this negative learning loop grows deeper and more ingrained. After repeated use, the chemicals in alcohol and drugs alter the brain chemistry, making the adolescent even less aware of how their behavior is spinning out of control. Repeated use also makes life circumstances worse, which only adds to stress and feeds into the vicious cycle. Teenager eventually reaches the point where they automatically reach for alcohol or drugs when they are stressed, without even thinking about it. without a modification. It becomes an automatic destructive coping mechanism. Addiction, prison, or death are the outcomes of this route. Adults who suffer from addiction are one in ten. Addiction results in shattered families, broken promises, broken emotions, and a rising number of fatalities. How then can we stop this from happening? How can we stop addiction?
As a parent, please read the following. Spend quality one-on-one time with your children, especially as they enter middle school. Throughout high school and college, be sure to genuinely listen to them, understand what they are going through, and offer support. Talk to a professional counselor if you need assistance; don’t hesitate to take action at this time. Additionally, keep in mind that your youngster may be simply experimenting and may have a brain that is more vulnerable to alcohol and drugs. It might be that easy—and frightening—or your child might be going through something else that you’re not entirely aware of. There is bound to be a lot running through their minds. When you are driving in the winter, an accident never occurs when you strike the telephone pole; it occurs 200 feet earlier when you start to slide on the ice. Your child may be skidding right now without you or them even recognizing it.
Act now; don’t wait for them to rectify themselves. They require a well-established support network. Pay attention to them, then lend a hand right away. Now, a warning for young people. You are not by yourself. It might appear that way. Who else might be experiencing this or thinking these things, whatever it is you’re going through, many other people have been in your shoes. Do not assume the persona of the party friend just because they have great results on the other side. You’ll die from it. You can discover your genuine self, a healthier self, and identity free from drug and alcohol addictions. Finally, be willing to accept assistance from loved ones, friends, or professionals, regardless of where it comes from. When your body is ill, you visit a doctor; when your body is injured, you visit a physical therapist. But what about your brain? A counselor can assist you in switching to a positive route when you’re on a negative one. You can acquire perspective and create effective coping mechanisms with the therapist’s assistance. Like a brain-personal trainer, you can handle whatever life throws at you. A strength, not a weakness, is being healthy. You can be genuinely joyful. You deserve to feel at ease with your own thoughts.