Why Some of Us Turn to Substances or Behaviors to Cope (And Others Don't)
If you've ever wondered why you struggled with a substance or behavior while someone else—exposed to the same things—walked away unscathed, you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions people in recovery ask themselves. And the answer isn't what you might think.
It's not about willpower. It's not a moral failing. It's far more complicated than that.
Research shows that vulnerability to substance use and maladaptive behaviors comes from a complex web of factors—biological, psychological, and environmental—that interact in ways we're only beginning to understand (National Institutes of Health, 2015).
The Brain Factor
Here's something that might shift your perspective: nearly half of your likelihood of developing problematic substance use is inherited (Jantz, 2025). Some of us are simply wired differently. Our brains may produce an unusually strong dopamine response to certain substances, making that first drink or that shopping spree feel more rewarding than it does for others.
Others among us may have naturally lower dopamine levels, which sends us searching for external sources of pleasure just to feel okay. It's not weakness—it's chemistry.
The Trauma Connection
There's a well-documented link between trauma—especially childhood trauma—and turning to substances or behaviors for relief. Abuse, neglect, exposure to violence: these experiences literally alter brain chemistry (Jantz, 2025).
What often begins as self-medication becomes a pattern we can't break.
But here's what's important: not everyone who experiences trauma develops these patterns. Resilience, social support, and access to mental health care can make all the difference.
The Environment We Grew Up In
If substance use was normalized in your household, you may have absorbed the message that this is simply how people cope with stress. Peer pressure, high-stress environments, and lack of positive role models all play a role in shaping our relationship with substances and behaviors (National Institutes of Health, 2015).
The Mental Health Piece
Many of us who struggle with substances or maladaptive behaviors are also navigating depression, anxiety, or PTSD. The substance becomes a temporary escape from internal chaos—until it doesn't work anymore, and we find ourselves in a cycle that's harder to break than we ever imagined.
So What Does This Mean for You?
Understanding why you turned to your substance or behavior of choice isn't about making excuses. It's about replacing shame with clarity. When you understand the forces that shaped your patterns, you can start building new ones.
Your brain changed because of what you went through and what you used to cope. The beautiful news? It can change again.
References
Jantz, G. L. (2025, March 18). Why do some people become addicted while others do not? Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hope-for-relationships/202503/why-do-some-people-become-addicted-while-others-do-not
National Institutes of Health. (2015, October). Biology of addiction: Drugs and alcohol can hijack your brain. NIH News in Health. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2015/10/biology-addiction
