Where Does Addiction Come From?

Addiction is a complex problem that negatively impacts your physical, emotional, and social well-being. 

Unfortunately, there’s no one determining factor that can prevent or predict addiction, making it difficult to treat. Fortunately, a multifaceted treatment approach can help you break the habit of addiction.

Dr. Poonam Malhotra, at Central Clinic in Spring Hill, Florida, offers a variety of treatments that can help you understand your struggles and overcome the challenges of addiction.

What causes addiction?

Substance abuse has a variety of causes that may include:

• Negative feelings of self-worth
• Your ability to deal with negative emotions
• Family and social relationships
• Employment status
• Your response to stress
• Impulsive or risk-taking personality
• Childhood trauma
• Anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions

Some studies show that genetics (family history) can influence your risk of addiction by as much as 50%. 

Other factors, such as your social environment, can also affect your likelihood of dependence. For instance, family violence and absent parenting styles increase your risk, while a stable and supportive family environment reduces your addiction risks.

However, there’s no clear-cut answer for why some people have problems with substance abuse while others, sometimes from the same family, don’t.

For some people, addiction starts with an injury for which a physician prescribed opioid pain medicine. Others begin experimenting with drugs or alcohol during their teen years and struggle with addiction for decades. 

What are the signs of addiction?

Symptoms of substance abuse can vary but may include:

• Persistent craving for drugs or alcohol
• Inability to stop using a substance
• Difficulty maintaining work, school, or family relationships
• Engaging in risky behaviors regardless of legal or social ramifications
• Fatigue, paranoia, or impaired thinking
• Needing more of the substance to get the same effects
• Continued use of the substance despite physical or emotional harm
• Changes in behavior, such as skipping school or work

Another telltale sign of addiction is experiencing physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit, including headaches, nausea, sweats, and confusion.

How is addiction treated?

Dr. Malhotra takes a multipronged approach to addiction treatment that may include the following:

• Referral to an in-patient treatment program
• Individual, group, and family counseling
• Medication (e.g., Suboxone®) to counter withdrawal symptoms and cravings
• Lifestyle changes such as healthy nutrition

You may also benefit from psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT focuses on identifying and replacing negative thought patterns and behaviors with healthy responses. 

Dr. Malhotra personalizes each treatment plan to help you achieve mental and physical health as you overcome addiction.

Schedule an evaluation at Central Clinic today for outstanding health care that’s always patient-focused. Call the office or request an appointment online.