Substance abuse can start at any point in an individual’s life, and there is no one single cause or trigger that leads to substance abuse. However, substance abuse often begins with experimentation or recreational use of drugs or alcohol. For some individuals, substance abuse may start as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression, or as a way to fit in with a particular social group or community. In other cases, substance abuse may start as a result of a prescription for a pain medication or other medication that is later misused or abused.

Substance abuse can also start in response to environmental factors, such as exposure to drugs or alcohol at a young age, or living in a home or community where substance abuse is prevalent. Additionally, some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to substance abuse, which can make them more vulnerable to developing a substance abuse disorder.

It’s important to remember that substance abuse is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors, and different individuals may be more or less susceptible to substance abuse depending on their unique circumstances and experiences.