Alexandru West 
Getting addicted to substances can have a serious impact on your health. There are a number of things to consider, including environmental factors and genetic predisposition. It’s also important to keep in mind that a person who gets addicted to substances has a shorter life span than someone who is not addicted to drugs or alcohol. This article explores these factors and the long-term effects of addiction.
Genetic predisposition
A new study has revealed the importance of genetic predisposition to addiction. According to researchers, genetics are responsible for between 40 and 60 percent of a person’s risk for developing a substance use disorder.
Scientists are hunting for genes that might be responsible for substance abuse. Researchers have used genome sequencing and exome sequencing to examine the possible connections between genes and substance abuse.
Identifying the genetic factors that contribute to a substance use disorder is one of the most important tasks in addiction research. Ultimately, researchers hope these findings will inform prevention and treatment of substance use disorders.
In addition to genetics, other factors such as environmental exposure, lifestyle, and social support can influence a person’s risk for developing narcotic, alcohol, or drug dependence. Currently, researchers are not yet able to provide smokers with information about their genetic predisposition to nicotine dependence. However, this is an area of growing interest and research.
Environmental factors
Addiction is an illness that affects the brain’s neuroendocrine system and can be triggered by a variety of factors. A key factor is the environment. Environmental factors include family, peers, community and school.
Studies have shown that exposure to visual and environmental cues can influence substance use. One example is the presence of alcohol stores and outlets. Research shows that proximity to these sites has been linked to increased alcohol consumption among adults and teens.
There is also evidence that a person’s neighborhood has an effect on substance use. Researchers have found that adolescent boys are more likely to engage in risky behaviors if they live in highly disadvantaged neighborhoods. These neighborhoods include minority groups and have a high concentration of poverty. The neighborhood may also include violence, which has a negative impact on health.
Environmental factors are not only a contributing factor to addiction but also affect recovery. People suffering from substance abuse disorders have to change their lives significantly to be able to get well. To make the process easier, it is important to understand how the environment can influence their recovery.
Changes in brain connections
Addiction is a complex neurobiological process that disrupts brain connections. This change is accompanied by intense cravings. The process may take months, years, or even permanently. It affects all areas of the brain, including the executive part, which makes decisions.
During the addiction process, neurons send signals to the nucleus accumbens. This region responds by sending a flood of dopamine to the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in motivation and pleasure. When a person is rewarded with a pleasurable experience, it encourages him to act in a way that serves survival.
But the same drug can also destroy the brain’s wiring. Brain scans show how addictive drugs alter the strength and frequency of these connections. Eventually, these changes will stabilize.
While these changes are temporary, they can still make it difficult to kick an addiction. Some drugs are even able to kill the brain’s neurons.
Besides the structural changes, the brain of an addict will begin to de-couple from its cognitive control regions. These regions are responsible for judging, thinking, and making decisions. As these regions become disconnected, the control becomes less automatic and reliable.
Long-term effects
Addiction to any drug has long-term effects on the health of the user. It can damage the heart, brain, and other organs. Drug addiction is treatable, but it can be difficult to overcome.
Many people develop substance use disorders because of the social and economic pressures associated with drug use. It can also cause problems at home and in the workplace.
Substance abuse can lead to physical health issues, including lung disease, cancer, and heart disease. There are also psychological problems. The brain can be altered by drugs, which can result in changes in behavior, cognitive functions, and memory.
Using alcohol and tobacco can also cause serious health problems. Alcohol and tobacco smoke increase the risk of developing cancer, a heart attack, and lung diseases. Those who use these substances for years have a higher risk of gastrointestinal problems, such as internal hemorrhaging.
In addition to the long-term effects of drug abuse, many drugs can cause short-term effects, such as high blood pressure and fatigue. Marijuana, for instance, has some short-term effects, such as sleeplessness and an increased heart rate.
