Causes of Substance Use Disorders

SUDs take many forms, and there are many reasons why an individual develops a problem. Substance problems can begin at any time in life. Having an SUD is not a matter of weakness, lack of willpower, or being “bad.” SUDs result from a complex interaction of genetic, psychological, social, and cultural factors. These disorders tend to run in families, so scientists believe a person inherits a predisposition or vulnerability to SUDs that interacts with environmental factors, increasing the risk of developing a problem. SUDs affect people of every age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, and occupation. Some people develop a problem in early life, while others do so later in life. For some, a SUD develops gradually over years. For others, it happens quickly.