Risk factors in the development of addiction

genetic vulnerability

Some people inherit a vulnerability to addiction:

- D2 receptors low, so need more dopamine

- Nicotine enzyme (CYP2A6) low in those who smoke less.

Stress

ACEs (early trauma) damage developing brain, creating vulnerability to later stressful life events, drugs used to self-medicate (Anderson and Teicher)

Personality

No addictive personality, but APD is a risk factor for addiction - involves norm-breaking, impulsivity, criminal behaviours and being self-centred, so drawn to drug-taking (Robins)

Family influences

Increases risk in adolescence from exposure (e.g. family drinking, Livingston) and adolescents perceived lack of parental monitoring

Peers

- norms about drinking

- opportunities to drink

- people overestimate how much peers drink (O'Connell)

Evaluation (interactions between factors)

It's the combination that affects nature and severity of addictions (Mayes and Suchman) also risk factors can be protective

Evaluation (Central role of genes )

Most risk factors proximate causes, but link ultimately to genes

Evaluation (genetic vulnerability)

Adoptive child at greater risk if one biological parent was an addict (Kendler)

Evaluation (stress)

Correlated with addiction but stress may be caused by persons lifestyle rather than being the risk factor

Evaluation (personality)

APD and alcohol dependence are co-morbid but ADP develops first, so it is a cause (Bahlmann)

Evaluation (family influences)

Correlation found between parents and children's use of cannabis (Madras)

Evaluation (peers)

Social norms marketing advertising can correct estimates about how much peers drink (e.g beer mats and posters)