What Causes Drug Addiction?

Does anyone who tries an addictive substance, such as heroin, become a drug addict? The answer is no. The following article is based on 20 years of sobriety and working with recovering addicts.

Nature or Nurture?

Is drug addiction something inherited genetically, or is it learned from the environment? Both. Addiction expresses itself as destructive behaviour, and the behaviour itself is learned from one generation to the next. For instance: A father drinks alcoholically and causes chaos in the home. The son both inherits and learns the behaviour from the father.

Can Someone Be An Addict With No History Of Addiction In Their Family? 

Yes. A person that develops an addiction that comes from a family that does not seem to have addictive tendencies is possible, although less common. It is also possible for one sibling to develop an addiction and the other not, while both grew up in the same household or neighbourhood.

Is Addiction A Physical Or Emotional Dependency? 

Both, although the emotional component is far harder to conquer than the physical, because the emotional root of addiction is much more complex. For example, a person finally decides to go cold turkey off of heroin. The physical withdrawal period will last for a certain period of time only, anywhere from 30 to 90 days. This is uncomfortable, unpleasant, in some cases even agonising, but it has a definite end. The emotional reasons for the person’s use of the drug remain after withdrawal is over, and it is those that will have to be dealt with for a far longer time.

So, What Causes Drug Addiction? 

Drug addiction is caused by a mix of all of the above. What causes drug addiction to begin is both an addictive personality or gene (someone that is drawn to intense experience whether positive or negative), and the condition known as a ‘hole in the soul’ (a feeling that a person does not quite fit in to society, or is not at peace internally).

What happens is that when this type of person tries their drug of choice for the first time, instantly, life feels better on the drug than it does off. The ‘hole in the soul’, the disquiet within, is suddenly gone, and the relief is immense. Addiction happens because life feels better when on drugs.

Is There A Cure? 

In my experience there is no cure for addiction, but there is treatment, and the treatment is as good as a cure. Simply, the cure is abstinence plus inner work. If life on drugs is better than life sober, then life sober needs to be made better than life on drugs.

Through confronting the source of pain or disquiet within, understanding it and accepting it as part of oneself in a healthy way, bringing oneself back into balance, the need for the drug disappears.

This is a simple but hard process, that requires help.

Getting Help

There are many resources for addicts and their loved ones. It’s possible to look for local twelve-step programs (free of charge) or rehab facilities (various payment terms) online. My book, Addict, published by Penguin Random House, shares my personal story of overcoming addiction and can provide insights into recovery. 

By understanding drug addiction and seeking help, it is possible to break free from its grip.

Further Reading: Living With A Drug Addict