14 Addiction Triggers: Why, When and How it Starts Part 2

Last week, I discussed the first of the 14 triggers that might lead an individual toward an addictive lifestyle. Today I will explore the next two. If you missed last week's blog, click here for a list of those 14 triggers.

2) The neighborhood itself is involved in drugs or alcohol

Unlike the family itself being involved in drugs or alcohol, this pathway is totally the opposite. The family often does everything in its power to protect their children from a road to addictive destruction. Strong family structure guided in responsible, honest and/or religious values are no guarantee to thwart the constant barrage and temptation of a neighborhood with abundantly available drugs. For youngsters growing up in this environment, it may be their only perceived way to survive or be accepted. Today, there is not a single neighborhood (affluent or under privileged) where the youth is impervious to the calling of drugs or alcohol. Parents must remember that they cannot cloak their loved ones in a suit of armor or run defense as they go to school or hang out with their friends.

Answer? Your child's confidence in their accomplishments, dreams and goals is vital in helping them to choose against the self-destructive path of drugs and/or alcohol. Any after school program, sports, music, internships in areas of their interest and community service are excellent opportunities for a child to feel good about who they are and what they are accomplishing. I encourage parents and friends to stay involved in their child's life from a respectful distance, while supporting them in talking about their needs, wants, desires and even their fears. Ask questions with genuine interest and keep an open, non-judgmental mind about their answers. As appropriate, share your own experiences with them when you were that age and how you handled a situation then and how you might handle it today. There is a fine line between parent and buddy; adult and friend. It takes an intuitive nature along with practice to know which hat to wear and when; yet both hats together make a very powerful team. The better any child feels about themselves, the better the chances are that they will not be caught in a web of self-destructive behavior.

Bottom line: positive reinforcement to any accomplishments; no matter how small or insignificant, is the best defense against self-destructive behavior.

3) The "addiction gene" is passed on

Genetic studies are contributing an important role in understanding the complex range of human personalities than ever before. Researchers are linking stress levels, impulsive behavior, even vulnerability to genetics. It is a probable scenario that the propensity for a disposition towards addictive behavior via drugs or alcohol is not off the mark. We inherit not just the obvious physical traits, but the deep rooted emotional intricacies as well. As we mature, environment, upbringing and a myriad of other entities shape us as individuals, but our inner core or root is steeped in genetic structure. Just as a family with a predisposition to Diabetes would take extra precautions with children to ensure their health, the same principle applies to families with known addictive behaviors. Whether you believe in the theory of an "addiction gene" or not, the risk to develop addictive behavior is greater if the parents and/or grandparents has/had substance abuse issues. Continue a watchful eye toward irresponsible or uncontrollable behavior that may begin a path to addictive behavior.

Answer? Do not ignore a change in your loved ones behavior. You might want to attribute it to just a passing fancy, but be mindful that the combination of the "addiction gene" (which may be dormant) and experimentation can pack a powerful one - two punch. Hence, recovery may be twice as difficult. If you find that your endless discussions about the dangers of substance abuse continues to fall on deaf ears; run, don't walk to your nearest support group or a qualified counselor. It might be time to entertain other options like intervention or treatment programs.

If I can be service to you or your family, please e-mail me at Carole@familyrecovery solutions.com
Thank you and I invite you to visit my website at www.familyrecoverysolutions.com

Comments

[dwoodsvc]

Thanks for the great insights. I have two young teenage boys (13 and 14), and my wife and I are struggling a little bit with what type of social drinking, if any, should be tolerated as they get into their junior and senior years of high school. When I was in high school, drinking was commonplace, and tolerated by parents, including my own. Conversely, my wife grew up in a more strict environment, and she thinks it's crazy to tolerate any drinking in high school. Honestly, I don't know yet what kind of pressues they will face, as I'm sure things have changed quite a bit in 30 years. I get in trouble a little bit with my wife when I tell them that if they happen to drink, they should definitely not get behind the wheel, call us to come get them, etc. I'm mainly worried about taking too hard a line with them, and having them rebel versus giving them a little latitude, and keeping the dialog open. What do you think?

[minkglove]

Interesting 2nd blog. Seems as though our environment and genetics may pre-dispose one to addiction. I noticed one reader last week comment on how in Europe fewer people seem to become addicted to drugs or alcohol. There are so many guns in Canada, yet so fewer murders and violence. Is the environment in the U.S. conducive to addiction? Should something be resolved with our "war on drugs", drunk driving, etc.? The point; however, remains the same, many families are affected by addictive drug and alcohol use and there is help for those not addicted. No matter what the cause, it is refreshing to know a service like yours is available for people to explore how relationships can be repaired and function on a happy, healthy basis.