These factors increase your risk of drug misuse

Substance use disorders are tough issues that carry a lot of stigma and misunderstanding. Fortunately, there are some risk factors you can look out for to help prevent future drug misuse. 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines drug addiction as drug seeking tendencies and drug use that is compulsive or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. These people may misuse stimulants, opioids, marijuana, sedatives, prescription pills and other substances. 

“Addiction is an illness, not a character flaw,” says Dr. Hishita Parikh, an addiction medicine physician at Aurora Health Care. “However, repeated drug use alters a person’s brain chemistry and interferes with their self-control and ability to resist intense impulses to take drugs.” 

These brain changes can be persistent, which is why drug misuse is considered a relapsing disease. Often, people in recovery are at increased risk for returning to drug use even after years of not taking the drugs. 

There’s no one factor that can predict if a person will develop substance use disorder. Though, meeting more than one of the following criteria increases your risk of drug misuse:  

• Depression, anxiety or other mental health disorders 
• Early exposure to drugs 
• Peer pressure 
• Family history of addiction 
• Male

“There isn’t a simple formula for how long it takes an individual to become addicted,” Dr. Parikh explains. “Some will begin craving the drug immediately after it wears off the first time. Others may use the drug recreationally several times or even binge it a few times before developing an addiction.” 

Some signs you might be experiencing a drug dependency: 

• Having intense cravings 
• Feeling unable to stop or limit drug use 
• Taking higher doses to feel the same effect 
• Having withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the drug 
• Skipping or canceling activities so you can use drugs or recover from them 

A substance use disorder can feel overwhelming and like there’s no way out. But there is. If you’re experiencing any of these signs and symptoms, a behavioral health and addiction specialist can offer you support as well as provide resources.  

“Addiction can impact anyone,” says Dr. Parikh. “Our job is to provide hope and help to our patients so they can have a successful recovery journey.” 

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