Risk Factors for Substance Abuse: What to Watch For

Early Warning Signs of Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is a serious problem that can be a fast track to addiction. Recognizing the early warning signs of substance misuse can help prevent individuals from progressing beyond simple experimentation.

One indicator of substance abuse is behavioral changes that occur spontaneously or after a significant loss (e.g., loved one, work, finances, health, etc.). For example, individuals once lively and extroverted may withdraw from social circles or lose interest in enjoyed activities. Children or teens misusing substances may lack motivation, fall behind in school, or become easily irritable.

Common signs and symptoms of substance abuse include:²

• Depression
• Loss of motivation
• Becoming easily agitated or uncooperative
• Becoming deceitful or secretive
• Difficulty focusing
• Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
• Engaging in illegal behavior (e.g., stealing)
• Overly protective of personal items
• Sleeps more or less often and at unusual times
• Poor hygiene or unkempt appearance
• Smells of smoke on clothes or alcohol on breath
• Bloodshot, dilated, or constricted eyes
• Dramatic weight loss or gain
• Chronic exhaustion
• Sores or other spots around the mouth and other areas of the body

Risk Factors for Substance Abuse

Risk factors for substance abuse and addiction do not guarantee that individuals will engage in unhealthy behaviors. However, the more factors present, the greater the likelihood of developing a problem.

Genetic Predisposition

Genetic predisposition includes a family history of substance abuse or addictive disorders. This characteristic is arguably one of the most important risk factors for drug and substance use, with research suggesting that genetics may be 50% responsible for problematic addictive behavior.³

The human genome project revealed that all humans (past, present, and future) share about 99.9% of the same genetic makeup.⁴ Accordingly, the similarities from one generation to the next are an even closer match—meaning many of the benefits or complications in one population pass on to the next generation.³

Early Use

Continued substance use eventually alters brain chemistry and other vital organs necessary for optimal functioning.³ Humans continually grow throughout life, but most of this development occurs during the earlier stages of infancy, childhood, and adolescence.

The body rapidly and significantly changes in youth, and introducing drugs and alcohol during these stages may compromise these developments. Recent studies show that about 70% of users who try an illegal drug before age 13 develop a substance use disorder within the next seven years.⁵

Lack of Supervision

Children and adolescents naturally “test the waters” when seeing what they can get away with. Consistent monitoring and support from guardians may help redirect younger individuals to more appropriate behaviors. However, children without supervision have more freedom to experiment with drugs, alcohol, and other substances with minimal risk of parental involvement, increasing the likelihood of misuse and addiction.

Peer Pressure

Everyone is susceptible to peer pressure, and this is a commonly known risk factor for substance abuse. Environments and groups that accept and even encourage substance abuse normalize addictive behavior. People in these situations may think, “Well, everyone is doing it!” This narrow perspective leaves individuals feeling left out when not participating, sometimes resulting in substance use that becomes problematic over time.

Using Highly Addictive Substances

Experimenting with highly addictive drugs and substances places someone at a heightened risk of substance abuse. Nicotine, barbiturates, cocaine, alcohol, and heroin are among the top addictive substances due to euphoric side effects.⁶ These drugs alter the reward pathway, offering users temporary pleasure or pain relief. Individuals may chase these “highs” by repeatedly consuming a substance, possibly leading to dependence or addiction.

Low Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem is another risk factor associated with addiction and substance abuse. Various triggers can cause low self-esteem, such as continued perceived failures, bullying, or mental health conditions.

Individuals with low self-esteem may immediately escape self-criticism and feel better about themselves after using substances. Additionally, they may associate substance use with social acceptance and derive an extra confidence boost. Some may view “using buddies” as true friends rather than enablers or negative influences.

Traumatic Life Experience

Trauma occurs after a distressing event. These experiences vary from person to person and can be acute (single significant event) or chronic (ongoing). Individuals may view substance abuse as a solution to depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from trauma. Some may escape with drugs and alcohol rather than experience mental pain and torment. However, the trauma does not subside, and substance abuse only worsens the problem. as

Loss

Loss and trauma often go hand-in-hand and are additional risk factors for addiction and substance abuse. For example, people may struggle with losing a loved one, job, financial security, or housing. They may be at risk of substance abuse when they cannot bear their grief. Some may think, “I have nothing else to lose.”

At this point, a person may intentionally partake in self-destructive behavior to gain a sense of relief instead of focusing on their grief. They may feel hopeless and helpless, especially when the loss is out of their control.

Having a Mental Health Disorder

Mental health disorders present additional challenges for those struggling with substance abuse. Conditions can affect the ability to think clearly, make sound decisions, and cope with everyday stressors. An individual lacking life satisfaction may try anything to feel better, even resorting to prescription misuse.

Overcoming Risk Factors for Substance Abuse

Fortunately, many protective factors for substance abuse can help individuals reduce the risk of addiction. Although individuals cannot prevent or change genetic predisposition, they can learn healthy ways to cope with their challenges.

Below are preventative factors to protect against substance abuse:

Family Connectedness

Family connectedness is essential when exploring risk factors for substance abuse. Children need to feel loved and receive basic needs to develop higher functioning capacities (e.g., healthy emotional development, coping skills, creativity, and problem-solving). Parents should also model healthy behavior and provide education about substance abuse so their children can adopt these examples.

Supervision

Proper parental supervision reduces the risk of substance abuse because children and teens have fewer opportunities to experiment. This involvement may entail regularly checking in, spending ample time together, asking questions, providing support, and having consequences for unacceptable behavior. Adults can apply these same principles to their relationships by holding one another accountable or calling out destructive behaviors.

Positive Social Support

Individuals with positive support networks can enjoy time spent together without introducing substances. Additionally, these networks can provide guidance and advice should these individuals begin using or struggling with life challenges. People learn to know they are not alone, often reducing an urge to use substances as a coping mechanism.

Healthy Coping Skills

Healthy coping mechanisms help people work through difficult and tragic situations. People often learn these skills throughout their lives, partially explaining why younger individuals struggle more with coping than adults. Each person will have different methods, but all healthy behavior contributes to positive outcomes.

Below are coping skills that can help people cope with substance abuse:

• Engaging in healthy and enjoyable activities
• Picking up a new hobby or reviving an old one
• Learning something new
• Enrolling in a course or program of study
• Working out
• Eating healthy
• Reading, writing, listening to music, playing video games, or watching TV
• Prayer, meditation, introspection, or reflection
• Distancing from “drug buddies” and other toxic relationships
• Keeping spaces clear of drugs and paraphernalia
• Working toward and achieving a goal
• Exploring life meaning
• Getting in touch with spirituality
• Speaking to someone when experiencing difficulties
• Having an optimistic perception of life

Accepting Help

Certain conditions require professional help, as is the case with substance abuse. Individuals can choose between different mental health professionals, but every provider can offer unbiased appraisals of life and situations. They will listen, supply empathic support, and collaborate with clients in devising healthier habits. You can find the right therapist using an online therapist directory.

In other cases, people can seek support groups with others who have experienced similar situations. Such support is cathartic and helps an individual realize they are not alone. Accepting assistance may help people reach their goals more rapidly and effectively than alone.

Abstinence

Perhaps the most blatant protective factor against substance abuse is abstinence. Individuals cannot abuse substances if consumption never starts. Further, this protective factor limits the potential risk factors of substance abuse entirely—including genetic predisposition. For instance, a person may have a genetic predisposition but never activate the “addiction genes.”

At the same time, abstinence may prove the most challenging. Regulating and moderating substance use is essential if abstinence is seemingly impossible. Individuals should seek assistance if any problems arise.

Final Thoughts

Though relatively general and straightforward, consistently following these recommendations will help minimize risks associated with substance abuse. Note that continued motivation to remain on track is of utmost importance. Whenever you are struggling, consider reaching out for professional support.