Not everyone who uses substances like alcohol becomes an addict. This is an anomaly and has been a matter of scientific research for quite some time now.
Experts found that if the same substance is given to two people and they both react differently then this is most likely due to the variation in their psychological or genetic makeup. This is believed to be one of the common reasons why only some people are likely to become addicts.
The brain’s response to alcohol determines whether a person will continue to drink or not. However, some of the latest studies suggest that along with the genetic factors, environmental factors also play an important role in addiction.
It is estimated that 40 to 60 percent of the risk of addiction comes from an individual’s biology and the effects of the environment on the expression of certain genes.
Stress has always been considered a biological factor which can lead to addiction. The surroundings in which an individual lives are also responsible for the same.
For instance a person is more likely to become addicted to drugs or alcohol if an immediate family member also was. Peer and community links also play a vital role as youngsters having friends who drink or use drugs also tend to do the same.
It has been seen that certain people who have witnessed abuse grow with heavy insecurities and a lack of confidence. These factors and things like poor social skills can lead people to rely on substances to compensate. Therefore biological as well social factors can and do play a huge part in addiction. Addiction is seen less in someone who is leading a satisfactory life and drinks only for pleasure vs those who are coping with extreme hardships.
One of the leading addiction treatment centers in US is Inspire Malibu, an award winning facility that has helped numerous individuals with drug and alcohol treatment. The treatment center is known for excellence in comprehensive individual care and uses science and evidence to treat addiction.