The problem of drug addiction presents itself with the complex interplay of nature and nurture. What do we mean by nature and nurture? Nature has more to do with the genetic make-up each individual carries which gives them a tendency to have more risk-taking behaviors or cautious behaviors. Yet, these inner qualities are shaped and influenced by external triggers. Let’s take a look at these examples to better understand:
Rodrick grew up in a poor neighborhood that had the most number of drug dealing gangs in the state. His single mother worked over time, leaving Rodrick more freedom to spend with neighborhood friends. His mother had been romantically involved with one of the leaders of the drug gang who got arrested for fraud. Rodrick was incredibly distressed by the incident and felt as though he experienced a loss once more.
Darren grew up in a middle class, suburban neighborhood. He lived in a gated community where his parents encouraged his extra-curricular activities, his dad used to be a cocaine addict who completed his 12 step Recovery before he got married. Darren’s father would take him fishing every weekend and every Sunday was spend playing piano in the church.
Rodrick looked up to him as a father figure and hence it is more likely that Rodrick would begin using and even become involved in the towns illegal activities, whereas the chances of Darren being influenced by drugs would be lesser, and even if Darren was exposed to the drugs he has the emotional support, financial stability and positive community to help him recover better. According to the National Association for Children of Alcoholics, “although the children of alcoholic parents are four times more likely to grow up to become alcoholics, the factors of whether a person will develop an addiction are a complex combination of environment, lifestyle, upbringing, mental health, demographics, and, genetics.”
This brings us to understand how we need to identify and eliminate risk factors for drug addiction in order to make a difference, as you may be familiar with the age old saying, “Prevention is better than cure”.
The first greatest predictor of drug addiction is aggressive behaviors that are prevalent during childhood. The main factors that can influence aggressive behaviors within a child few of them include being exposed to violence through gaming and movies, being bullied at school, being a victim of abuse or harassment at home or in the community. This can be curbed with the implementation of anti-bullying policies in the school community which train students to develop stress management, problem solving and conflict resolution skills. Parents can be intentional of children’s usage of technology and the content they are consuming online. Community awareness programs can also play a major role in bringing issues of abuse and harassment to light; often empowering silenced victims to reach out for help and find the courage to choose the safest option for them. The antidote to aggressive behaviors is self-control and self-regulation, yet this ability cannot be developed from a young age without the presence of positive role-models.
The second greatest predictor of drug addiction is Lack of Parental Supervision. Most often than not, children identify with parents. “Many parents are just too busy with work and forget that their child needs a parent who is present in their lives.” States Chris Drew, PhD in Sociology of education. A lack of affection and attention at a young age can lead to low self-esteem or emotional neediness in other relationships which may not be good for them. This can be reversed with simple acts of parental involvement. Such as intentionally taking your child out for ice-cream, being invested in their social life, being up to date with their academic struggles and spending time developing a skill or hobby.
The third greatest predictor of Drug addiction is environmental challenges including poverty and illegal activity within the neighborhood or school crowd. This can be prevented by creating community awareness program at schools and families where ex-addicts share their testimonies of redemption, organizing drives and fundraisers to provide access to alternative spaces for entertainment and learning, creating policies and legal system to follow protocols of drug use and reporting illegal activities.
With community and individual level efforts we can make a difference! Reach out to us at info@meadowsofhope.com if you wish to bring awareness in your community, school or organization. We have a team of counsellors who are experts at training individuals of all age groups in social, emotional and practical life skills. Read more about this topic on our article “Drug addiction debunked”
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