PHYSIOLOGICAL COMPLICATIONS AND PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
Taryn Wheeler
9/21/2011

Drug use in the context of American Culture
The abuse of alcohol and drugs has destroyed the lives of millions, and the problem seems to be one that will never end. It has been estimated that well over 9 million Americans currently need treatment for their deadly addiction (NIDA).
For two decades, researchers have been struggling to identify the risk factors that can lead to addiction to alcohol and other drugs. Most of us have been affected by the disease of addiction, whether it is directly or from afar. This has become such a common issue, we find ourselves asking why this has to be such a common problem in our society and daily lives. After numerous lives have been claimed, even more families destroyed, why would anyone take the chance to gamble with addiction?
Currently, there are four main theories relating to the cause of addiction, which include the biological, psychological, sociological and social learning model. I believe that most of these theories do play a role in addictive behavior. However, they mostly occur as a result of the addiction, and not as the root cause.
The Biological theory suggests that habitual users of drugs or alcohol have a biological abnormality that causes them to become addicted. The theory suggests that certain individuals are genetically predisposed to addiction by a “faulty” gene or perhaps a chemical imbalance in the brain. Scientists estimate that genetic factors account for between 40-60 percent (APA
2000) of a person’s vulnerability to addiction, including the effects of environment on gene expression and function.
2 | P a g e

Drug use in the context of American Culture
The Psychological theory views drug or alcohol addiction as problematic behavior, where the individual uses alcohol or drugs to enjoy the effects that these substances have on the mind and the body. On the other hand, people choose to self destruct with habitual behavior not to enjoy the effects, but to mask the pain of underlying emotional scars caused by family dysfunction.
The Sociological theory suggests that societies which produce higher levels of inner tensions such as guilt, stress, suppressed aggression and conflict have higher rates of addiction.
Also, societies that are permissive of and encourage such behavior have higher rates of addiction. This theory also touches briefly on the fact that emotional issues are related to addictive behavior. However, this theory seems to bridge the relation directly to the societal breakdown in some groups where higher levels of inner tension and permissive behavior are prevalent. I believe that it is not the emotional issue itself, but rather understanding the cause of the emotional issue that is of the utmost importance.
The Social learning theory suggests that drug or alcohol addiction is a learned behavior and continues because the user gets some desired outcome from it. Also, that these behaviors are learned by being exposed to certain stimuli; people, places, things, thoughts and feelings.
A drug can have psychological, emotional and physical effects and can change the behavior of the person taking the drug. These behavioral changes are not the same for everyone. The effect of any drug will depend on:

The Drug - what effect it has on the central nervous system; the amount taken; how it is taken; how often; for how long; if it is taken with other drugs.
3 | P a g e

Drug use in the context of American Culture

The Person - age, weight, sex, tolerance, past experiences, mood, personality, the expectations and what the person wants to happen from using the drug.

The Environment - what the community or society expects, allows and excuses as a result of using the drug; the place; the presence of other people; noise levels, and so on.
People don’t drink to become alcoholics. And many people drink alcohol throughout their lives without a problem. Why do some people abuse alcohol and become dependent on it, while others don’t? Certain things make an addiction problem more likely, which are the risk factors which increase one’s risk for developing a substance use disorder. Risk factors include:

Genes - People with alcohol problems often have a family history of alcohol abuse and dependence.

Male - A man is 3 times more likely to develop problems with alcohol than a woman.

Early use - The younger you were when you first started drinking alcohol, the higher your risk for developing alcohol problems later as an adult.
4 | P a g e

Drug use in the context of American Culture

Mental health - If you have mental health problems, such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or anxiety disorders, you are more likely to use alcohol.

Use of other substances - You are more likely to abuse alcohol if you abuse other things, such as tobacco, illegal drugs, or prescription medications.

Environment - If you live in an area where alcohol is easy to get, people drink a lot, or heavy drinking is accepted as part of life, you are more likely to drink.

Friends - Your friends may influence you to drink by directly urging you to or by drinking when you’re around them.

Problems with others - You may be more likely to drink when you are having problems in your family or with friends.

Not having purpose or satisfaction in your life - If you have no activities that give you a sense of purpose, you may be more likely to drink.
Just because you have risk factors for alcohol or drug problems does not mean you’ll have a drinking problem. A person with many risk factors won’t always develop alcoholism.
And a person with no risk factors can become dependent on alcohol or drugs. Different people have acquired an addiction for many different reasons and none of them can be justified or lessen the negative effect. With that said, understanding why your loved one has chosen to take this path will make it easier to reach them, and it will enable you to find them the help they need and deserve.
5 | P a g e

Drug use in the context of American Culture
http://www.action-drug-rehab.com/causes-of-addiction http://www.drugabuse.gov/infofacts/understand.html
http://drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/addiction.html
http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/govpubs/psycviol.htm
http://www.elearnportal.com/courses/phychology/psychology-ofhttp://www.hbo.com/addiction/understanding_addiction/14_som http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/alcohol-abuse-and-
6 | P a g e