the notion of self in the journey back from addiction

#The notion of self in the journey back from addiction professional
#The notion of self in the journey back from addiction free

Kelly also said that the emerging literature relates urgency, or emotion-based rash action, to heavy and problematic drug and alcohol use.Ĭontinuing to comment on the 2012 study, he continued to say that negative emotionality is a distinct personality dimension from urgency. Professor of Behavioural Science at the University of Kentucky in the USA, Thomas Kelly has said that previous research has demonstrated a relationship between sensation seeking, impulsivity and the initiation of drug and alcohol use. One theory is that people who suffer from ‘negative emotionality’ are more likely to turn to drugs and/or alcohol for relief, escapism or comfort. This is a personality trait that dictates how frequently or intensely people experience dark emotions such as anger, stress or sadness. A study carried out in 2012 also found that those with ‘negative emotionality’ have higher rates of drug abuse. Research has suggested that people who are more sensitive to stimulants and the effects of alcohol and drugs are at a higher risk of developing an addiction. It’s unknown whether this is because addiction is rooted in genetics, if it’s inherited, or if it’s because being exposed to drug taking and alcohol abuse increases the likelihood of experimentation with these substances. This early dependency can then later transpire into an addiction. Alcohol and drug addicted babies are also being born addicted to a substance if a mother has used a substance throughout pregnancy. It has been found that the children of addicts are 45% to 79% more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol compared to the general population. Children of addictsĪccording to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the risk of addiction increases for those who have parents who are alcoholics or drug addicts. However, without definitive proof of causation this is a theory that remains based upon conjecture. One theory for this is that smarter people can intellectualise their drug use – which is different from rationalisation and denial. Some studies also believe that children who have higher IQs are more likely to use psychoactive drugs such as marijuana, heroin and cocaine in their later years. Many professionals, from bankers and doctors to lawyers and CEOs, have fallen victim to substance abuse and it’s thought that the stress, isolation and failed relationships that are so often associated with these occupations can play a significant part in this. There’s a common misconception that addiction is more likely to affect those who are less educated and who come from a poorer background, but many addicts are highly-paid and have successful careers. However, this can lead to a continuous vicious cycle because drugs and alcohol can actually exacerbate symptoms and leave people feeling more anxious, depressed, demotivated or irritable. It's been suggested that many people who suffer from mental health conditions attempt to self-medicate with drugs and/or alcohol in an effort to numb the symptoms associated with their conditions. This is often because of different chemical reactions in the brain compared to those who don't live with mental health conditions.

Those who live with mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or depression are more likely to partake in substance abuse, which puts them at a higher risk of developing an addiction.

#The notion of self in the journey back from addiction free

To discuss how the Life Works team can help to support individuals and families dealing with addiction and for further information on treatment and rehabilitation programmes, please call: 01483 745 066 or click here to book a FREE ADDICTION ASSESSMENT. Experimenting with different substances doesn't automatically lead to addiction however, when different factors contribute to the taking of drugs and alcohol, addictions can develop.Īlthough nobody can completely eliminate the possibility of becoming an addict, The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has highlighted some of the most common risk factors that make some more susceptible to it than others. Environment, genetics, family background, personality traits, and even stress can all make someone more likely to try drugs or alcohol in the first place.

#The notion of self in the journey back from addiction professional

The signs, symptoms and causes of addiction can vary from person to person, but still, addiction can have a damaging effect on anyone's livelihood and it's often difficult to manage without professional addiction treatments.ĭespite the difficulty in ascribing exactly what makes some people more prone to addiction than others, countless studies have found that a combination of factors can play a part.

What can be said is this: addiction does not discriminate – it can affect people of all ages, intelligence levels and backgrounds.

Why are some people more prone to addiction?Īddiction is a very complicated subject and it’s something that scientists and psychologists are still trying to understand.