How a Person’s Environment Can Influence Substance Use
A person’s environment can be instrumental in their alcohol and drug use. People who grow up in environments in which substance use is tolerated can develop lax attitudes towards alcohol and drugs, which can make them more likely to use substances and subsequently become addicted.
But it is not just the environment that a person grows up in that can drive them towards using substances. Present circumstances can also compel a person to use narcotics or alcohol.
For example, if a person is around people who engage in substance use, then they may feel left out if they’re not using themselves, so they may engage in substance use to fit in.
Another example of how a person’s present circumstances can cause addiction is stress. People who are stressed may turn to substance use to cope with stressful situations.
Even a person who has already been through a recovery program may find themselves relapsing due to stress, as it can exhaust their mental energy.