According to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual(DSM-5), addiction is defined as compulsive seeking of maladaptive behaviour/substances despite the negative consequences experienced by the user. It is estimated that around 1% of the global population suffers from at least one drug addiction. So, what factors lead to this? Predisposing factors may vary from individual however, commonalities apply including;
- Genetic Makeup
Consists of genes passed down from family generations and accounts for about 50% of addiction predisposition(nature vs nurture). It is often detected through patient history-taking by a qualified psychologist.
2.Environment- Part of the nature vs nurture framework, this explains an individual’s interactions with their immediate surroundings. Family usage of drugs, media, peer pressure, poor parenting, trauma also contribute to drug addiction.
3. Mental Health
Co-occurring disorders like depression, bipolar, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) and post-traumatic stress disorder contribute to substance addiction. The individual tries to cope with their conditions by abusing substances. Consequently. The victim undergoes addiction and the underlying mental disorder(s), leading to comorbidity.
4. Treatment
Abuse of prescription drugs creates dependency, a sign of drug addiction. Lack of access to psychological treatment can increase susceptibility towards addiction.
What Causes Drug Dependency?
Several parts of the brain are involved in creating and maintaining behavioural patterns. Parts like the ventral tegmental area(VTA), hippocampus, hypothalamus and the amygdala all work in harmony to create the ‘reward system’.
This reward system is responsible for continuous reward seeking, mostly through hobbies. Long-term use of substances hijacks this system leading to reduced production of dopamine(reward-seeking hormone) and serotonin(feel-good hormone).
To curb this, measures put in place should prioritise the psychological changes caused by substance addiction.
Treatment and Intervention
Drug addiction, like other major chronic ailments, has no cure. Fortunately, it can be treated and successfully managed through use of psychotherapy techniques and medication(pharmacotherapy).
Addiction prevention is also part of the intervention strategy set to contain this condition for example, educating the masses on drug addiction will help in both containing and destigmatising the condition.
Conclusion
Drug addiction continues to affect millions of individuals and their families, with the majority gaining little access to treatment and care. As an addiction counsellor, I strive to aid in the fight against drug addiction, as well as sharing knowledge of its prevention to all.