The causes of addiction can be complex, but some factors are genetic. These include a person’s gender, ethnicity, and presence of a mental disorder. Another factor is their environment, which can include peer pressure, stress, and parental guidance. These factors all contribute to an individual’s propensity to use drugs.
Dopamine
Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that acts as a reward. When someone enjoys an activity, such as watching pornography, they get a rush of dopamine. This feeling of pleasure drives a person to continue doing that activity. But addiction has serious consequences.
Dopamine is also implicated in disorders like obesity and Parkinson’s disease. The American Medical Association classified obesity as a disease in 2013. When a person has an imbalance of dopamine, his/her behavior becomes abnormal. It also causes physical symptoms like tremor and slowness of spontaneous movement. There are medications available to treat these symptoms.
Dopamine works by interacting with glutamate, a neurotransmitter in the brain. When dopamine interacts with glutamate, it takes over the brain’s reward-related learning system. This area of the brain is involved in memory and motivation. When dopamine levels are high enough, a person becomes addicted to a particular activity.
Genetics
Some genetic variations can influence the way the brain processes certain chemicals, called neurotransmitters. These chemicals produce feelings of pleasure and can influence the risk of addiction. The risks are different depending on the substance used. Genetics and addiction are complex and not necessarily hereditary. But there are some common genetic factors that increase the risk of addiction.
Several studies have shown a connection between addiction and genetics. The research is based on epigenetics, a branch of genetics that studies the way genes are expressed. People with certain gene expressions are at a higher risk of developing substance use disorders, as well as those with particular epigenetic mutations.
Genetic testing can improve treatment effectiveness. However, the public still has a general distrust of genetic testing and physicians need to learn more about the genetics of addiction and how to interpret genetic test results.
Developmental Factors
Addiction is a complex disease that affects the brain, which is why many factors play a role in its development. These include genetics and environmental factors. The early years of life are critical for brain development. Young people are at risk for developing addictions if their parents or other caregivers are not involved in their early development.
Addiction treatments need to focus on the whole person’s development and on building essential coping skills. Psychotherapy can help to accelerate these changes. This helps people understand and manage their emotions and behavior, as well as learn effective ways to deal with problems in their lives. In addition, developmental psychology can help experts develop more effective interventions for addiction and its associated disorders.
Research suggests that maltreatment of young children increases the risk of addiction. Early trauma can disrupt brain development, interrupting maturation and making an individual more prone to addictive behavior later in life. PTSD, for instance, is a major risk factor for substance abuse disorders. Other factors include early learning disabilities and developmental delays. These may lead to underlying fears and a greater vulnerability to addictive behavior.