Problem:
Respond to this statement: Many times, there are multiple factors operating at once that can lead to addiction and substance abuse. One factor I think is most responsible for causing addiction is biological factors. Biological factors can include brain chemistry, genetics, and brain development, which are all vital in shaping personality and habits. Herie & Skinner (2014), states that, "there is increasing evidence that suggests that substance abuse and addiction have a biological foundation and may be best understood as a chronic brain disorder". Because all hormones are either directly or indirectly regulated by the brain, and because addiction alters brain chemistry, most of the effects of addiction will be to the brain. Of the different components of biological factors, genetics and brain development are closely related because family history of addiction may cause someone to be more susceptible to addictive inclinations. Chapman (2012), stated that "genetic research on addiction seeks to identify the genes associated with a predisposition or vulnerability towards dependence and addiction". Research suggests that if genetic contributions can be linked to addictive disorders, then some disorders can be treated more effectively or even prevented. Therefore, if biological make-up consists of genes from parents, grandparents, and so on, the genes that are passed down through substance abuse or addiction can possibly impact brain development as early as an embryo and so on. Need Assignment Help?