So you see your child now–so sweet and innocent. Do you think he will ever grow up and be one of those people who has a chance of developing addiction as an adult? It’s hard to imagine, right?
Countless of research over the years have already proven that substance abuse is determined by a perfect mix of different factors. And these factors do their job over the years, starting in early childhood. In fact, the more of these risk factors a child has, the more likely he will use and abuse–and even be addicted–to drugs later on in life.
On the other hand, the less risk factors present in a child’s life, the less likely they are to use and abuse drugs.
As a parent, it’s important to know these risk factors and address them in order to decrease the likelihood for drug abuse and addiction. Furthermore, if your child has already started to use drugs, then you have a better idea of why things happened the way they do and a clearer picture of what intervention needs to be done.
Risk factors in children make it more likely for developing addiction later on in life
Here are the 4 most common factors that put your child at risk for developing addiction.
1. Family history. If your child grew up surrounded by other family members or peers that have a substance abuse problem, then he is at an increased risk for having pretty much the same problem in adulthood. Children can inherit genes that make them predisposed to having drug or alcohol addiction.
Protective factor: If this risk is present in your child, talk to him at a time when he can understand this and its implications.
2. Psychiatric conditions. If your child has a mental illness or a behavioral disorder, such as anxiety, ADHD or depression, then he is at higher risk of developing addiction to drugs or alcohol. While not everyone who has psychiatric conditions end up as addicts, their condition makes them unable to deal with their thoughts, emotions, and situations.
Protective factor: As a parent or guardian, you have to be vigilant about the possibility of your child trying out drugs or alcohol, and even depending on them as a way to cope. You can also talk with your psychologist/psychiatrist or health care provider about ways to reduce risks and other problems.
3. Childhood trauma. Children who are exposed to different kinds of trauma have a high risk of developing addiction later on in life. Such trauma can include:
- witnessing domestic violence (especially in parents)
- being a victim of physical violence
- being a victim of sexual abuse or exploitation
- going through a tragedy in the family or a disaster
- witnessing something traumatic
- being in a stressful household
4. Impulse control problems. If you see your child not being able to control their impulses or are prone to risk-taking behavior, then that is also a sign of increased risk. Most children who grow up as teens without enough understanding of risk-taking behavior are more likely to engage in dangerous situation where drugs are involved.
Protective factor: Early on in life, children must be taught delayed gratification. There must be close relationship between parents or guardians and the children, so that they feel safe and secure in their environment. Later on, when they are at an age where they can understand, parents must educate them about taking risks that may have negative repercussions.
As your child grows, take stock of these major risk factors to determine your child’s behavior and how it can lead to them developing an addiction later on in life. If addiction is apparent, or if they have already started using, seek help.
[…] As they grow up, they run an increased risk for physical, emotional, behavioral, and developmental issues. They also are at a higher risk of using and being addicted to drugs at an earlier age compared to those who have less risk factors for addiction. […]