Young people with behavioural problems or who have not learned to deal with the stresses of life are more liable to misuse drugs. Peer pressure can be another factor. Alcohol misuse tends to run in families and there is evidence that genetic factors contribute to this. Nicotine addiction is an example of how prevalent an addictive behaviour can be and how much social influence can be brought to bear on the development of addiction. Once somebody has become alcohol or drug dependent, other life difficulties such as unemployment, poverty or homelessness will impair their ability to regain control over their addiction.
Health professionals can help to identify problem alcohol and drug use as early as possible.
Many people may not be ready to consider stopping their drug use and may deny the problem. The health professional may want to discuss the consequences of continued drug use, to allow the person to weigh up the pros and cons of continued use. If someone is determined to carry on their drug habit despite the dangers, health professionals may advise on, for example, safe injecting techniques and supply sterile needles to minimise risks of harm, such as HIV infection, whist encouraging them to rethink their commitment to drug use. For either alcohol or drugs, a doctor can prescribe a reducing course of another drug to relieve the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. In some cases this treatment may be offered in specialist drug or alcohol units.