Developing Horizons Magazine (2).pdf Summer 2014 | Page 14

Before we, as responsible Christians, family members, Substance community leaders and Abuse: friends, can positively influence the problem of The substance abuse, we must Deadly attempt to understand the root causes. Acceptance, Cycle feelings of inadequacy, role models (celebrities), thrills, depression, stress and medical mismanagement--to name a few--may all contribute. To borrow a model from the infectious disease world, the three points of a triangle could represent interacting elements in the causation process, i.e., the host (the victim); the environment; and the agent (addicting substances). The substance abuser (host) may be born with hereditary traits like an “addictive personality” setting the stage for the struggle with substance abuse. Teens, sometimes lacking “risk averseness” may experiment with alcohol and drugs for thrills or as the result of peer pressure. Older adults may turn to drugs to relieve job anxiety, relationsh \\