One of the most painful misunderstandings about addiction is the belief that it comes down to “bad choices” or weak character. At Eagles View Wellness Centre, we see daily that this isn’t true.
A substance use disorder is a complex, progressive health condition. It develops through a combination of biological vulnerability, emotional pain, life circumstances, and environment. Understanding the root causes of substance abuse doesn’t excuse harmful behaviour — but it helps families respond with clarity instead of blame, and it helps individuals find a real pathway to recovery.
The truth is simple:
People don’t start using because they want to ruin their lives.
They start because something in their life feels too heavy to carry without relief.
What Causes Substance Abuse?
There is rarely one reason. Different people begin using for different motives — but many end up trapped in the same destructive cycle.
We do know that if someone in your family has a history of Alcohol, drug or other addictive abuse you are predisposed to becoming an alcoholic/addict.
Genetics load the gun – Environment pulls the trigger
Here are some of the most common causes of substance use disorder in South Africa and worldwide.
1. Mental and Emotional Struggles
Many people turn to alcohol or drugs to manage what they don’t know how to handle internally.
This can include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma and PTSD
- Bipolar or mood disorders
- Chronic stress and emotional overwhelm
Substances may bring short-term relief — but they don’t heal pain. Over time the brain learns to rely on the substance to feel normal, turning survival into addiction.
2. Family Influence and Home Environment
What happens in the home often becomes the blueprint for coping.
Growing up around:
- Heavy drinking or drug use
- Emotional neglect
- Abuse or violence
- Constant conflict
- Unstable or unsafe caregiving
Can increase vulnerability later in life. Sometimes the pattern is learned. Sometimes substances become the only escape a young person knows.
3. Peer Pressure and Social Belonging
Young people are especially vulnerable because belonging matters so deeply in adolescence.
In communities across Johannesburg, Roodepoort, and South Africa, substance use is often normalised in schools, parties, clubs, and friend groups. What begins as:
“Just try it once”
or
“don’t be boring”
can quickly become repeated use, and then dependence — especially for someone already emotionally vulnerable.
4. Work Pressure and Daily Stress
A rising cause of substance abuse in South Africa is stress-driven use, especially among working adults and professionals.
People often start using to:
- Relax
- Sleep
- Switch off
- Manage burnout
- Cope with financial pressure
The danger is when a substance becomes the main coping tool. Tolerance grows, use escalates, and what started as “helping me cope” becomes “I can’t cope without it.”
5. Genetics and Biological Vulnerability
Addiction often runs in families. Not because it’s guaranteed — but because vulnerability can be inherited.
Genetics can mean:
- Your brain responds more strongly to substances
- Cravings become more intense
- Stopping becomes harder once use begins
Genetics alone doesn’t cause addiction. But when combined with trauma, stress, and access, risk rises significantly.
6. Pain and Prescription Medication Misuse
Sometimes addiction starts in a doctor’s office.
After surgery, injury, or mental health treatment, people may be prescribed:
- Painkillers
- Sleeping tablets
- Anti-anxiety medication
If used longer than intended, or at increasing doses, dependence can develop quietly. Many people don’t realise they’re addicted because the substance was “legitimate.”
7. Poverty, Hopelessness, and Social Environment
In South Africa we cannot ignore the role of social pressure and inequality.
Limited opportunity, unemployment, unsafe communities, and chronic stress can drive people toward substances as a form of escape or survival.
At the same time, wealth and status don’t protect anyone. We see substance use disorder across every level of society. Addiction doesn’t discriminate — it finds vulnerability wherever it exists.
So, Why Do People Develop a substance use disorder?
At its core, addiction is not a moral failing.
It’s often a combination of:
- Vulnerability
- Emotional pain
- Circumstance
- Access
- and a brain that learns to depend on relief
Substance abuse is frequently a symptom of something deeper, not the whole story.
Recovery Begins with Understanding
When families understand the causes of addiction, they shift from:
“Why are you doing this to us?”
to
“Something is hurting — and you need help.”
That shift changes everything.
With structured treatment, trauma-informed therapy, and ongoing recovery support, people can heal not only from addiction — but from the pain that fed it.
Support in Roodepoort: Eagles View Wellness Centre
If you or someone you love is trying to understand why substances have taken over life, the journey to recovery starts with professional guidance.
At Eagles View Wellness Centre in Roodepoort, we treat addiction as a disease and work holistically to address:
- The physical dependency
- The emotional wounds
- The thinking patterns
- and the lifestyle factors behind the substance use disorder
Healing is possible.
Support is available.
And you don’t have to do this alone.
