Ever wondered about that? If you are abusing drugs, know someone who is addicted, or are in recovery, you may be puzzled why other people can do drugs and not get addicted, while there are those that easily get hooked. Read on to find out why.
Drug use is very common here in the Philippines, with meth (locally known as shabu) coming in as the most dominant illegal drug used.
In a 2014 statistics report by the Dangerous Drugs Board, many of the male and female admitted in residential and non-residential rehab facilities abuse more than one drug, which includes meth, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, and other drugs.
Add these statistics to the news about million-peso drug busts, crimes committed under the influence, and many people caught in raids possessing drugs…it’s not hard to believe that drug has become a major problem that needs attention and action. You may think that these people who do drugs are addicts. However, not everyone who uses drugs become addicted.
The Thin Line
Drug use causes a plethora of problems, from physical health risks to psychological and financial tolls, and even death. It also negatively affects the users’ behavior, as well as their relationships.
However, there are those who use drugs yet remain unscathed or were even able to fit their drug use into their lifestyles, without negatively affecting their work, studies, relationship, or legal status.
So why is this so? Why do some people able to use drugs yet still be able to balance their responsibilities and function normally?
Why does one become an addict while others don’t?
There are many factors that contribute to one’s drug dependence and addiction. For one, those who don’t get trapped in this vicious and deadly cycle don’t have genetic predisposition and risk factors. People who don’t have a family history of drug and alcohol abuse have a low risk of developing addictive behaviors. Those who grew up with an excellent support system are also less likely to develop these.
Furthermore, those who start trying out drugs at an earlier age are at a much higher risk of being addicted later on in life. This is compared to those who tried drugs later on in their teens or in their twenties.
Environment is another factor why people don’t develop addiction. Most addictions can be seen dominant in the poorest communities, with unemployed to working-class citizens, those with less education, and little employment history. Addiction can also be seen more often in those with higher risks for mental illnesses and disorders.
The right mix of these factors can lead an individual to the wrong path of addiction.
Still no surefire way
Despite these factors, there really is still no surefire way to know whether or not one person is going to end up being an addict. While people have risk factors that make them predisposed or more likely to develop an addiction.
This said, addiction can actually affect anyone regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, employment, education, or economic background.
If you or someone you know is abusing drugs or in a downward spiral into addiction, seek help for them now. Call or text us in our confidential helpline at 09175098826.
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