For some people, drug or alcohol use may start from experimentation. For others, it may stem from a physical or mental health issue. Addiction is a complex disease and is often made up of many factors.

The mental health experts at Cedar Oaks Wellness Center are here to break down some of the most common factors that contribute to the development of alcohol and drug addiction.

Having Addictive Personality Traits

Just like physical health issues, certain mental health factors will increase the possibility of developing an addiction. One of the major factors associated with drug addiction is personality characteristics. If a person has the following traits, they are at a higher risk than the average person to try addictive drugs:

• Adventurous
• Spontaneous
• High spirited
• Willing to try anything once

Taking a highly addictive drug, even just one time can give them the ‘high’ that they are looking for. However, this can result in a vicious cycle of drug abuse, addiction, and chemical dependency.

Family History

If there are members in the family who misuse drugs or are addicted, others are more likely to mimic this behavior and develop issues themselves. This is especially true if there are parents or a sibling who are addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is another factor that can affect the development of an addiction. If many people in a friend group are using drugs, there is a high possibility that the person will follow suit. If they see their peers doing so, they will want to try it too and could very well get hooked on the drugs they are taking.

Low Self-Esteem

Having a negative self-image can lead an individual to seek solace in abusing drugs and alcohol. Oftentimes, people turn to the effects of alcohol and drugs like cocaine to feel a false sense of confidence in social settings.

Understanding Causes of Addiction and Mental Illness

Did you know, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.5 million American adults experienced both a substance use disorder and a mental illness?

Those with mental illnesses may find themselves more prone to self-medication as a means of coping with their emotional discomfort. Some may resort to drugs and alcohol as a source of relief or to escape their troubles. Psychological problems are difficult to work around and often require professional help to deal with the underlying causes of drug use.

If you or a loved one are suffering from alcohol or drug addiction and are ready to start your journey toward recovery and wellness, we’re here to help. At Cedar Oaks Wellness Center, we believe that our clients should have a say in how they recover from alcohol and drug addiction to meet their specific needs and goals.To learn more about our treatment programs, fill out an online contact form or call us at (513) 780-5201 today.

One of the most pressing questions someone has when they think about rehab is not just about the treatment itself, but what comes after: “How long will recovery last?” The fear of the unknown is powerful, because while going through detox and treatment is a monumental achievement, it doesn’t guarantee lifelong sobriety. Understanding the common reasons for addiction relapse from the very beginning is crucial for building confidence and a solid plan for the future.

This knowledge is not about focusing on failure; it’s about empowerment. Whether you struggle with addiction yourself or you’re looking to support a loved one, knowing what tempts someone to return to using after a period of sobriety allows you to develop strategies to navigate those challenges before they arise.

Recovery is a process of learning to live life on life’s terms, with all its inherent stress and challenges, without turning to substances for relief. To help you build a resilient and lasting sobriety, we’re here to shed light on the most frequently reported feelings and situations that can lead to relapse, so you can be prepared to face them with confidence.

Lack of Desire

Although your family, significant other and other outside factors can motivate you to get help, the real source of your desire to get sober has to come from within. If you place your entire recovery on pleasing someone, it can quickly fall apart. You must truly want to get sober and know that this is a decision to save your life, not just fulfill someone else’s wishes.

Unrealistic Expectations

Although turning to drugs and alcohol can be a source of shame, it is important to acknowledge that relapse is a common and normal part of the recovery process. The recovery process does not happen in 90 days or even a year. Sobriety is a life-long journey just like mental health and physical wellness. Understanding the difficulties and anticipating the natural highs and lows of treatment can help prevent immediate relapse.

Not Having a Relapse Prevention Plan

Not having a support system or avoiding ongoing therapy can cause old feelings and habits to quickly resurface. It takes consistent planning and strategizing to ensure that you stay sober after detox and rehab. Relapse prevention plans are designed to help people stay on track after their initial program.

Some ways that you can find additional support include:

• Building a good support system.
• Having access to secure housing, food, and life essentials.
• Living in an uplifting and sobriety-centered environment.
• Continuous to attend support groups and meetings.

Mental Health Issues

Confronting addiction with a co-occurring mental health condition, like depression or anxiety, requires the right treatment. When embarking on addiction treatment, you also need counseling that helps you tackle your mental health symptoms and the unique relationship that they have to your substance abuse.

Seek Treatment for Addiction in Ohio

At Cedar Oaks Wellness Center, we treat addiction like a chronic disease, which requires ongoing management. To help our patients get the most out of their experience, we help them plan ahead so they feel confident in their ability to stay sober and continue getting better after completing their program.

If you or a loved one are suffering from alcohol or drug addiction and are ready to start your journey toward recovery and wellness, we’re here to help. We believe that our clients should have a say in how they recover from alcohol and drug addiction to meet their specific needs and goals.To learn more about our treatment programs, fill out an online contact form or call us at (513) 780-5201 today.