What is the Root of All Addictions?
Understanding the root causes of addiction is crucial in addressing and combating the increasingly complex issue. Addiction, whether it be to substances, behaviors, or activities, has deep-seated origins that extend beyond what’s happening on the surface.
In this post, we will dive into what some of the root causes of addictions are, and how the counseling and recovery services we provide help treat those who are struggling.
By diving into the deeper causes of addiction, we can work to create a more comprehensive understanding of why people develop addictive behaviors, and how we are paving the way for tailored prevention and intervention strategies. By recognizing the multifaceted nature of addiction and its underlying causes, not only can people improve their lives, but our society can move towards a more empathetic and informed approach in supporting those suffering from addiction and lessening the broader impact of addiction on individuals and communities.
Understanding Addiction
The National Institute of Drug Abuse defines addiction as follows:
A chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. It is considered a brain disorder, because it involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control.
Essentially, addictive substances hijack the mesolimbic system (brain reward system) and alter the neural pathways in the brain to reinforce compulsive behavior. This rewiring of the brain, along with psychological and social influences, combine to shape addictive behaviors. Eliminating common misconceptions about substance use disorders and combating stigma are crucial steps in fostering a more empathetic and effective response for folks in treatment and are huge priorities for us at Insight Northwest Counseling.
One common misconception is the idea that addiction is simply a matter of moral failing or lack of willpower.
In reality, addiction is a complex disease requiring comprehensive treatment and support. The misconception that addiction only affects certain demographics also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and undermines the efforts to address addiction in a holistic way. By challenging these false narratives, and fostering a culture of compassion and understanding, society can cultivate a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals grappling with addiction.
The Root Causes of Addictions
Addiction occurs with the so-called “perfect storm”— when the mix of biological, psychological, and social factors align. Understanding the root cause of drug or alcohol addiction means going beyond the addictive behaviors to what combination of underlying causes or co-occurring disorders made the addiction manifest.
Psychological Factors
Psychological factors are one piece of the puzzle that can put folks at an increased risk of addiction. These will include traumatic experiences, stress disorders, and co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety or personality disorders. When someone has both a dependance on addictive substances and a mental illness, this is considered a dual diagnosis (also known as a co-occuring disorder). Mental illnesses and addiction impact the same areas of the brain, so while it is unknown which causes which, it is clear that they are related.
Social Factors
Societal influences such as peer pressure and unrealistic cultural norms can also play pivotal roles in the initiation and perpetuation of addictive behaviors, especially among teens and adolescents. Ongoing brain development during adolescence makes this group particularly vulnerable to addiction, as the brain's reward circuitry is still maturing. On the other side of things, older adults may grapple with addiction stemming from factors like chronic pain management, childhood trauma, loneliness, or retirement-induced boredom. The connection between age-related changes in physiology, life circumstances, and social support systems further shapes the trajectory of addiction in distinct ways across different generations.
Addiction Counseling Services at Insight Northwest Counseling
Addiction therapy is a vital part of the recovery process. Not only can you have a safe space to discuss and look into your addiction, but you will be given tools for success, and establish a recovery network to aid in your sobriety. Additionally, with your therapist you can explore triggers, motives, and warning signs for relapses—lessening the likelihood of them happening again with this awareness. By uncovering the root causes of addiction, and learning how to manage triggers, you will better understand your addictive behaviors and have the resources to disengage from them over time.
At Insight Northwest Counseling, we offer addiction counseling that will help support you and your loved ones through the difficulties surrounding addiction treatment and recovery. We believe that behavioral counseling can be a beneficial source of support during this time—giving you a helpful set of tools to help you navigate a challenging period. The first step is to acknowledge that you have a problem, and seeking the help to come out of the depths of addiction takes true courage. We are here to help.
Learn more about our approach to addiction counseling here!
Insight Northwest Recovery: A New Treatment Center for Youth Addiction
Insight Northwest Recovery is offering treatment for mental health disorders and co-occurring addiction to adolescents and young adults ages 13-25. Oregon ranks third highest nationally for the rate of substance use disorder among adolescents, and most of the time there are not enough spots in treatment centers for those needing help. By offering an outpatient resource, Insight Northwest Recovery is providing vital treatment and education, and filling a gap in care.
Outpatient services are a step down from residential treatment (hospitalization) and clients return home after attending treatment for the day. This treatment is essential in providing support for those in early recovery and those who would like to achieve long-term recovery. Within an outpatient group, clients bond and connect with one another to make long-lasting, healthy relationships. Insight Northwest Recovery’s approach involves creating an individualized treatment plan with a focus on long-term recovery.
Learn more about Insight Northwest Recovery!
Take the first step towards recovery
Understanding the roots of addiction is so important in addressing this complicated issue. Addiction is not a result of moral failing or lack of willpower. Instead, we know it stems from a complex combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. By recognizing and treating all of these issues collectively, we are here to help you gain valuable tools and insights to navigate the path to lasting recovery.
Sources:
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-misuse-addiction
https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/therapy-for-addiction-recovery/
Oregon Health Authority
Mental Health America’s 2023 rankings