There is much controversy that surrounds the etiology of addictions. Some theories suggest that addiction is related solely to genetic factors, while others identify environmental factors as the primary influences on addictive behavior. Most contemporary theories support the idea that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to substance addiction. However, there is still much debate about this in the field.
Use the module readings and the Argosy University online library resources to research chemical substance addiction.
Select a category of chemical substances with addiction potential (for example, alcohol, stimulants, or opiates). In this assignment, you will examine this selected substance in detail.
- How might a person become addicted to that category of chemical substance? Describe the process.
- What are the various genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the development of substance addiction as related to that category?