Are you wondering why people develop addictions? The roots of addiction (Substance Use Disorder or SUD) are complex. Addiction is a chronic condition. It involves the compulsive seeking and taking of a substance, or performing an activity such as gambling, despite negative or harmful circumstances. It has many causes unique to each person. Read on to learn more about SUD and how it relates to coping mechanisms.
Understanding SUD and its Roots
Addiction does not have a single cause. It’s not possible in many cases to determine which has the biggest influence. There are multiple factors including:
- Genetic vulnerability
- Environmental stressors
- Mental health problems
- Social pressures
- Individual personality characteristics
Genetics
Studies show that a 40-60% probability of developing an SUD is related to genetic factors. If you have a biological sibling or parent you’re more likely to develop and SUD. Specific genes have not yet been located but research is underway. Genes do not cause addiction. Rather they may be risk factors or protective factors, providing resilience against developing an addiction..
Environmental factors
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are one of the most important factors in whether someone develops an SUD. These are stressful or traumatic experiences that someone had in childhood and include physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, parental discord and sexual abuse. These can disrupt the neurodevelopment of the child.
As a result, the child’s cognitive functioning and/or ability to cope with negative or disruptive emotions may be impaired. Often during adolescence the child may adopt unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse. The earlier that drug use begins, the more likely it will progress to addiction.
Access to substances is a very significant environmental risk factor as well. Effective or ineffective forms of coping may be inherited through social learning in the family. If someone else in your household uses alcohol or drugs, they are modeling this behavior which can influence a child. One study reported that children with ACEs may initiate drinking earlier than their peers and may be more likely to drink to cope with social problems (rather than for pleasure or to be social) [1].
Mental Health Conditions
Addiction is strongly linked to conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder. About 50% of those who have a mental health condition will also develop a SUD and vice versa.
Brain Chemistry Changes
A great part in the onset of addiction has to do with changes to your brain chemistry, especially the reward centers. Substances send large surges of the neurotransmitter dopamine to your brain. These changes challenge an addicted person’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to use substances.
Instead of motivating you to do what you need to survive, (such as eating, working and being with loved ones), you are driven to seek out the pleasure or “high” from the drug or activity and less so from healthier ones [2].
Over time, these chemicals can damage your thoughts, feelings and behavior as your brain chemistry changes. With substances like opioids, the withdrawal symptoms are so severe that it can strengthen the motivation to keep using them.
Coping Mechanisms and Substance Abuse Disorders
Coping mechanisms are thoughts and behaviors we use to manage internal and external stress and uncomfortable feelings. They are conscious and voluntary as opposed to defense mechanisms that are unconscious [3]. Coping mechanisms are closely intertwined with SUDs.
SUD as a Coping Mechanism vs SUD Coping Mechanisms
For those with SUD, coping mechanisms are key for resisting stress and temptation throughout the recovery process [4]. They can be either positive (adaptive) or negative (maladaptive). Some coping methods may work for a time, but are not effective longer-term.
SUDs are very often a maladaptive coping mechanism in response to stressors. Maladaptive coping may involve disengagement, avoidance and emotional suppression.
SUD coping mechanisms are strategies to positively adapt to or change the pattern of addiction and relapse. This can be of two kinds: reactive (a reaction following a stressor) and proactive (aiming to neutralize future stressors). Coping has four main types [3]:
- Problem-focused: Addresses the problem being faced
- Emotion-focused: Aims to reduce the negative emotions associated with a problem
- Meaning-focused: Uses cognitive strategies to derive the meaning of a situation
- Social coping (support-seeking): The person reduces stress by seeking emotional or other support from their community
Is a SUD a Coping Mechanism?
Yes, a SUD can be a maladaptive coping mechanism to deal with challenging home and work stressors, trauma or lack of meaning. While taking substances may lower stress in the short term, compulsive use will have negative impacts long-term.
Some common maladaptive coping mechanisms include [5]:
- Escape: Withdrawing from family and friends. Social isolation such as watching TV, surfing the internet
- Unhealthy self-soothing: Examples include binge drinking, excessive game playing. White some of these behaviors are healthy in moderation, they may become habits and turn into addictions.
- Numbing: These may evolve from self-soothing behaviors. People may try to numb their stress by eating junk food, using alcohol or drugs excessively.
- Compulsions and risk-taking: Some may seek an adrenaline rush through risk-taking behaviors such as gambling, unsafe sex, reckless driving, theft or experimenting with drugs
- Self-harm: People may engage in self-harming behaviors to cope with extreme stress and trauma
How to Properly Recover from SUD in Los Angeles
Choosing treatment is a brave thing to do. Effective treatment programs typically incorporate many components, with each targeted to a different aspect of the illness and its consequences. There are a variety of evidence-based approaches to treating addiction. The specific treatment or combinations depend on the person’s needs and on a medical and therapeutic assessment.
At The Encino Detox & Recovery Center we offer our relational model of care in a safe space. It was designed to re-introduce men and women to themselves, in a more loving way. Free from the negative effects of addiction and addictive behaviors that have led to unwanted consequences and loss.
The therapeutic relationships at The Encino Recovery and Detox Center promote ideas, creativity, connection, and long-term sobriety. These valuable relationships will help you or your loved ones find freedom from the long-term isolating effects of addiction. The mental health component consists of a team of licensed clinicians who run special therapeutic groups to meet the individual needs of each client.
We offer trauma recovery and the following evidenced based therapies:
- Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Aggression Replacement Training (ART)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Somatic Experiencing and Body Work
- 12-Step Program
- Mindfulness Meditation
- Exposure therapy
- Group experiences
Safe Recovery in Los Angeles
If you or a loved one is seeking a way out of substance abuse, private, confidential help is just a call away. Reach out to our Admissions team at The Encino now.
At the Encino Recovery and Detox Center in Los Angeles we don’t just treat addiction. We nurture the spirit, heal the mind and help you to regain your life. All in a safe space.
We provide medically supervised detox. After detoxing, you may enter our residential treatment center. Trained staff are equipped to offer clinical care. They will provide the support, guidance and interventions necessary for you to reach your treatment goals. Participating in residential care greatly enhances your success rate at avoiding relapses.
Sources
[1] Rothman EF, Edwards EM, Heeren T, Hingson RW. Adverse childhood experiences predict earlier age of drinking onset: results from a representative US sample of current or former drinkers. Pediatrics. 2008 Aug;122(2):e298-304.
[2] NIDA. 2018, June 6. Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts.
[3] Algorani EB, Gupta V. Coping Mechanisms. [Updated 2023 Apr 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]
[4] Setiawan A, Sahar J, Santoso B, Mansyur M, Syamsir SB. Coping Mechanisms Utilized by Individuals With Drug Addiction in Overcoming Challenges During the Recovery Process: A Qualitative Meta-synthesis. J Prev Med Public Health. 2024 May;57(3):197-211
[5] Coping Mechanisms. 2023. GoodTherapy.org
