It is a frightening thought to consider the possibility of someone you know or love suddenly going missing. Unfortunately, this is a reality that many people face every day. Here are the top 5 reasons why people go missing:

1. Voluntary Disappearance

• Runaways: Adolescents and teenagers might run away from home due to conflicts with family, peer pressure, bullying, or other challenges.

• Escape: Individuals might choose to disappear to escape from a difficult or dangerous situation, such as an abusive relationship, financial troubles, or legal issues.

• Desire for a Fresh Start: Some people might want to start anew, leaving behind past mistakes or regrets.

• Cults and Extremist Groups: People may join such groups and disconnect from their previous lives, often against their families’ wishes.

• Online Relationships: Individuals might meet someone online and voluntarily choose to disappear to pursue a new relationship, leaving behind their previous life.

2. Mental Health Issues

• Dissociative Fugue: This is a psychological disorder where individuals experience temporary amnesia and wander away from their familiar surroundings, potentially ill-equipped for the circumstance.

• Suicidal Intent: We often see missing people struggling with severe depression or other mental illnesses might intentionally disappear with the intent of fatally harming themselves.

• Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia: Missing Alzheimer’s patients are very common. Individuals with these conditions might wander off due to confusion, memory loss, or disorientation.

• Psychotic Episodes: People experiencing psychotic breaks may become disoriented and become missing during these episodes.

3. Unintentional Isolation

• Homelessness: Those experiencing homelessness may drift into isolation and become disconnected from their previous networks.

• Estrangement: Falling out of touch with friends and family can lead to unintentional isolation. We help locate missing friends and family to reconnect you.

4. Human Trafficking

• Forced Labor: Individuals can be kidnapped or coerced into forced labor. These individuals are typically cut off from their families or communities, essentially going missing from their previous lives.

• Sexual Exploitation: Human trafficking for sexual exploitation involves individuals being coerced or deceived into commercial sexual activities against their will. Victims may be moved frequently, making it difficult for them to be found.

5. Addiction and Substance Abuse

Those grappling with addiction might intentionally isolate themselves to engage in the substance without interference. Our team has helped locate missing family members on substances, and assisted in bringing them to treatment facilities.