The fourth edition of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," or "DSM-IV," states that a person who suffers from a substances abuse disorder shows at least one of the classic manifestations associated with addiction. These include frequent failures at work, school or home, repeat usage in situations where the habit endangers physical health, legal problems and continued use despite of social problems caused by the habit. The reasons for substance abuse are numerous, ranging from genetics to environmental factors.
Genetics
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, or NIDA, 40 to 60 percent of the predisposition to substance abuse can be attributed to genetics. For example, as of 2010, three different genes have been linked to an increased risk of smoking cigarettes. NIDA also states that the brains of different people have varying reactions to certain substances. Drugs and alcohol affect the brains by increasing the effect of certain neurotransmitters, including dopamine. If a person has plenty of receptors that react to dopamine, he does not find the effects of drugs as pleasurable as a person who has fewer of these receptors.
Environmental Risk Factors
According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, the leading cause for substance abuse among teenagers is stress at school. Environmental stress can also increase the likelihood for substance abuse in adults, says the All Psych Online. Other factors that seem to increase the risk include mental disorders such as depression, social pressure, problems in relationships and individual personality characteristics. The NIDA states that people suffering from substance abuse disorders often have been victims of sexual abuse, or have witnessed violence.
Addiction
Most addictions develop over time and begin as recreational social use. When people partake in this type of usage, they generally do so just to have fun or to alter the way they feel. When someone begins to use these substances more frequently and requires higher dosages for similar effects, he has built tolerance towards this drug. If he then continues using the drug, he will become addicted to the substance both physically and mentally. The NIDA states that addiction is a disease that alters both the function of structure of the brains. This happens mostly as a result of the effect many drugs have on the brain's pleasure centers. When these centers are disrupted, a person's capacity to freely choose not to use drugs is also damaged.
References
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edition)"; American Psychiatric Association; 1994
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Addiction Science: From Molecules to Managed Care
- All Psych Online: Psychiatric Disorders, Substance Abuse
- Partnership for a Drug-Free America: The Partnership Attitude Tracking Study
