Do you sometimes wonder what the actual cause of addiction is? It\u2019s a unique mix of risk factors and influences \u2014 genetic and environmental. It\u2019s uncommon that merely one thing drives an individual to addiction. Instead, it\u2019s a heady mix of nature and nurture. Here\u2019s how these work together to create a potentially devastating condition:<\/p>\n
Nature (Genetics)<\/strong><\/p>\n 1. Dopamine handling<\/strong><\/p>\n Some people are genetically predisposed to addiction. Such individuals are born with a certain genetic make-up in their dopamine receptors that makes them\u2018enjoy\u2019 potentially addictive substances more than \u2018normal\u2019 people. This increases the risk for addiction.<\/p>\n 2. Psychological issues and self-medication<\/strong><\/p>\n Genetics often influence indirectly. For instance, persons living with other psychiatric disorders associated with genes (such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc.) can have a tendency to self-medicate with an addictive substance. They feel \u2018better\u2019 with medication \u2013 this may lead to addiction.<\/p>\n Over time, escapist self-medication can escalate to addiction. In such cases, it is not a tendency toward addiction but the propensity for an underlying vulnerability that can lead to addiction.<\/p>\n Nurture (Environment)<\/strong><\/p>\n Apart from genetics, environmental factors also play an important role.<\/p>\n 1. Childhood trauma<\/strong><\/p>\n Early life negative experiences, such as neglect, emotional or physical or sexual abuse, etc., can increase the risk for addictions regardless of genes.<\/p>\n According to a study, unresolved early life (prior to 18 years) trauma can lead to later-life problems. Survivors of chronic childhood trauma are:<\/p>\n 1.8 times as likely to smoke cigarettes<\/p>\n 1.9 times as likely to develop obesity<\/p>\n 2.4 times as likely to experience anxiety<\/p>\n 3.6 times as likely to be develop depression<\/p>\n 3.6 times as likely to be promiscuous<\/p>\n 7.2 times as likely to get into alcoholism<\/p>\n 11.1 times as likely to become a drug addict<\/p>\n