Drug addiction is a disorder that develops under the influence of several factors. According to the Mayo Clinic, both environmental conditions and genetics play a part in addictive behavior. Additionally, physiologic changes that occur in the body during continuous drug use contribute to physical dependence. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the United States spends $500 billion annually on costs related to drug abuse and addiction.
Environmental Factors
The Mayo Clinic explains that a person's tendency to first use drugs is influenced by things such as family belief system, modeled behavior and drug use by peers. MedlinePlus explains that people who are more likely to become dependent on drugs include those who suffer from psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety or schizophrenia. Additionally, people who suffer from low self-esteem or suffer from economic or emotional stress are at increased risk for developing drug addiction.
Genetic Factors
A 2009 review that appeared in "Nature Reviews: Genetics," highlighted several genes that appear to contribute to drug addiction. These genes are responsible for making different proteins that are involved in biochemical reactions, neurotransmitter actions and other processes. The function of a protein depends in part on the sequence of amino acids used to build it. Members of a population may exhibit small variations in one or more of these molecules, resulting in proteins that react in a manner slightly different than normal. These variations can be passed on from parents to offspring.
Psychological Changes
The "Clinical Textbook of Addictive Disorders" explains that drugs of abuse cause the brain to change the way it processes information related to feelings of reward. When the brain experiences a situation that is pleasurable or rewarding, a neurotransmitter called dopamine is released. Drugs of abuse also activate dopamine release, causing the brain to experience pleasure in the absence of a rewarding experience. Over time, the brain becomes less able to respond in a pleasurable manner to anything other than the drug of abuse.
Physiological Changes
"Tolerance" is a term often used in conjunction with drug addiction and refers to the physiological adaptations that the body makes in response to chronic drug use. The "Clinical Textbook of Addictive Disorders" explains that these adaptations result in normal functioning as long as the drug is present and abnormal functioning, or withdrawal, when it is not. Withdrawal symptoms are typically uncomfortable and unpleasant, contributing to the continued use of a drug.
Considerations
The National Institute on Drug Abuse stresses the importance of education and communication in the prevention of drug addiction. Spreading awareness of the harm caused by drug abuse in families, schools and communities is effective at reducing drug abuse. Additionally, there are several lines of therapy available to treat drug addiction. If you have a drug problem, talk to your health-care professional about where to get help.
References
- The Mayo Clinic: Drug Addiction
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse: Understanding Drug Abuse
- MedLinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Drug Dependence
- "Nature Reviews: Genetics"; New insights into the genetics of addiction; Ming D. Li and Margit Burmeister; April 2009
- "Clinical Textbook of Addictive Disorders (3rd Edition)"; Richard J. Frances et al.; 2005
