Risk Factors In The Development Of Addiction Flashcards
Genetic vulnerability
D2 receptors are low = dopamine low so compensate deficiency by addiction.
Nicotine enzyme = Piarezza et al (1998) - some lack functioning nicotine enzyme, so smoke less as can’t break down nicotine properly.
Stress
ACE’s (early trauma) damage developing brain makes them more vulnerable to later stress so self-medicate using drugs. Anderson + Teacher (2008)
Personality
APD causal risk factor as behave criminally and impulsively so drawn to drug taking. Robins (1998)
Family influence
Exposure to addictive substances (via parent/s) and their perceived lack of parental monitoring. Livingston et al (2010)
Peers
Influence norm about drinking. Increase opportunities to drink. Person overestimates amount peer drinks. O’Connell et al (2009)
Evaluation: interaction between factors
- Combinations determine nature and severity of addiction. Risk factors can be protective. Mayes + Suchman (2006)
Evaluation: central role of genes
+ Most risk factors link back to genes. So most significant risk factor. Rey et al (2009)
Evaluation: Genetic vulnerability
+ Data from national Swedish adoption. Adopted child greater risk of addiction if 1 biological parent was addict. Kendler et al (2012)
Evaluation: Stress
- Correlated to addiction but stress can be caused by their negative lifestyle after getting addicted.
Evaluation: Personality
+ APD developed 4+/- years BEFORE addiction so it’s a cause. Bahlmann et al (2012)
Evaluation: family influence
+ Correlation between parent and child drug use. Child observes parent/s and perceives drug is fine to use. Madras et al (2019)
Evaluation: Peers
+ real world application, mass media provide statistics and correct estimates of the amount peers drink.
