Topic Summaries

Risk factors in development of addiction

A-Level > Psychology > AQA > A-Level Psychology Topic Summaries > Addiction > Risk factors in development of addiction
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Addiction

  • Genetic factors:
    • Individuals can inherit candidate genes which provide them with a hereditary predisposition towards developing an addiction.
    • A biological susceptibility mechanism has been shown to be low levels of D2 receptors in the brain. This means that fewer dopamine molecules combine to the receptors and initiate action potentials in the postsynaptic membrane.
    • Abnormal gene expression of the gene coding for the CYP2A6 enzyme – low levels of this enzyme leads to slower rates of nicotine breakdown. This reduces the concentration of nicotine metabolites within the brain synapses, which decreases the likelihood of developing a nicotine addiction.
  • Personality: impulsivity and anti-social personality disorder and linked to an increased risk of developing an addiction. Impulsivity is linked to having little thought about the outcome of risk-taking behaviours.
  • Social and environmental influences:
    • Family influences: links to how closely monitored children are by their parents as well as how often they see their parents using substances. The higher the exposure to these substances, the more likely a child is to also get addicted.
    • Friends: have more of an influence on the development of addictions compared to family influences. Friends create norms surrounding taking addictive substances and provide more access and availability to get these substances than family.
    • Stress: chronic stress is not a direct trigger for addiction, but when paired with an environmental stressor, it is more likely to result in addiction.

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