Most addictions start with the casual use of a drug or alcohol, particularly in social situations. For some people, drug and/or alcohol use/misuse becomes more frequent.

The risk of addiction and how fast you become dependent also vary by substance. Some substances cause dependence more quickly than others.

Major risk factors include:

• Family history of addiction: Genetics play a significant role, accounting for 40–60% of a person’s risk. If a parent or close relative has struggled with addiction, the risk is higher citation 1| 2|3.
• Mental health conditions: Disorders such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, or PTSD make individuals more vulnerable, as substances may be used to cope with symptoms citation 4|5 | 6.
• Early use: Beginning drug or alcohol use at a young age increases the risk of addiction later in life, as early exposure can alter brain development citation 7|8 |9.
• Peer pressure and social environment: Association with friends or peers who use substances, or living in a community where drug use is normalized, raises the risk citation 10|11 |12.
• Family conflict or lack of supervision: Homes with frequent conflict, poor communication, or inadequate parental monitoring are linked to higher substance use citation 13|14 |15.
• Trauma or abuse: Experiences of trauma, including childhood abuse or neglect, are strongly associated with later substance misuse citation 16|17 |18.
• Low academic achievement or lack of school connectedness: Struggling in school or feeling disconnected from the school community can contribute to risk citation 19|20.