There are multiple developmental pathways to substance use disorders, with the risk factors that can start an individual down one of these pathways ranging from the genetic to the sociocultural. Because these factors tend to cluster and can vary with age, disentangling their unique contributions can be difficult. Consequently, a focus on the stages of development is key. This chapter looks at the latest research on the different risk factors at play during a person’s development, including:
• Genetic factors (i.e., the fact that the risk for substance runs in families), which are estimated to contribute 40–60 percent of vulnerability to drug abuse;
• Early brain development, looking particularly at how disruptions in the development of the
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In most cases, these behaviours subside as a child matures. In about 25 percent of children, though, these behaviours are unusually elevated and persistent, expressing themselves as an enduring mixture of features that include social gregariousness, risky thrill-seeking, emotionality and irritability.
These externalizing behaviours are predictive of various child- and adolescent-onset disruptive behavioural disorders (DBDs), including oppositional defiant disorder in the preschool years, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the elementary school years, and conduct disorder in middle childhood through adolescence. By adolescence, these DBDs increase the risk for substance use disorders: compared to those without DBDs, individuals with DBDs have double the risk of abusing tobacco, triple the risk of abusing alcohol, and five times the risk of abusing illicit drugs. Indeed, 75 percent of adolescents with a DBD become substance abusers in adulthood and 50 percent of adults with substance use disorders had a history of at least one DBD in childhood or
There are a variety of theories surrounding the development of human beings, and the correlation of these stages of development related to substance abuse and dependence, is critical for individualized and competent treatment strategies. Developmental theories, such as Erik Erikson’s Stage Theory, provide a general applicable progression by age, but also factors in biology, environment, and unique personality characteristics within one’s development (Van Wormer & Davis, 2018). This paper will examine the specific case study of Sharon, her proposed stage of development, and its perceived role in her substance use disorder. Two risk factors will be identified, as well as
“The statistical associations between genetic factors and alcohol abuse are very strong” (McNeece & DiNitto, 2012). However, there is still much debate over the validity of genetics as a definite cause for addiction. Perhaps, the reason for this is because the number of children of alcoholics that go on to become alcoholics is still small. Additionally, genetic predisposition cannot explain the number of cases of alcoholics that did not come from alcoholic parents or families. In fact, addiction can be so prominent, that it remains even after the drug use has ended (McNeece & DiNitto, 2012). Therefore, the biological theory should not be ruled as it is based on what takes place in the body. There is no other theory that can explain how a person could still have addiction symptoms when the substance is absent from their system. Predisposition implies that there is a mutation or malfunction in the body that appears to cause a craving or susceptibility to becoming addicted to a substance.
Lastly, Cadoret et al. (1996) conducted one of the first studies that was in fact able to isolate the influence of environmental exposures from potential genetic confounds. In addition to family studies and adoption studies, there have been numerous large-scale twin studies with the aim of examining the role of genetics in susceptibility to addiction. However, the majority of the twin studies conducted have examined the heritability of alcohol abuse and dependence and have not examined the heritable influences on illicit drug use disorders. Past research such as the study by McGue (1998), indicate that the estimates of heritability of alcohol/abuse dependence have ranged from 50%-70%.
Disruptive Behavior Disorders. Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) form a cluster of childhood disorders considered to be “disruptive behavior disorders” (American Psychiatric Association, 2004). Although most violent adolescents have more than one mental disorder and they may have internalizing disorders, for example depression or substance abuse, there appear to be increasingly higher rates of physical aggression found in these adolescents who experience disruptive behavior disorders than for those with other mental disorders. The fact that violent juvenile offenders are more likely to have these diagnoses is not surprising, because impulsive and/or aggressive behaviors are part of their diagnostic criteria. Additionally, there is relatively high co-morbidity with substance abuse disorders, which are also associated with juvenile violence (Moeller, 2001). Individuals with conduct disorder have the following features but this list is not inclusive for example they may have little empathy and little concern for the feelings, wishes, and wellbeing of others, respond with aggression, may be callous and lack appropriate feelings of guilt re remorse, self-esteem may be low despite a projected
With the focus of this research being fairly new and untouched by many criminologists the researchers seek to inform about the dangers of early drug use on adult functioning. The authors bring attention to childhood precursors of drug use including academic potential, workforce and college involvement as well as
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) describes addiction as a, “chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences” (“Understanding Drug Use and Addiction,” 2016). Long-term use can effect and change a person’s ability to learn, judge, and make decisions. Stress, memory issues, and behavior problems are also common side effects of extended drug use. There is not one single factor that can determine if a person will become addicted drugs. However, certain risk factors have been identified as predicting higher probabilities of addiction because of a person’s biology, environment, and development. Adolescents who abuse
This paper will identify disorders listed under Substance-related and addictive disorders. It will review research on potential causes for these disorders to include biological and environmental factors. These include possible genetic links to heredity, prenatal exposure, and environmental factors to include shared and non-shared environments. It will examine research on proper assessment and diagnosing of disorders in this category, along with possible treatment options. It will examine research on biblical perspective and possible future treatment options.
She rarely or hardly starts disputes with other children, throws temper tantrums, or seeks revenge when feeling picked on. She also performed within the normal range in the Impulsive-Hyperactive subscale. She rarely or hardly calls out unexpectedly, interrupts, or finds it hard to play quietly. She scored within the normal to borderline range in the Antisocial Conduct subscale. She rarely or hardly ever steals, acts dangerously before considering consequences, or destroys the possessions of
There were more than 8.3 million children who lived with a parent or parents who actively abused or were dependent on an illegal drug or alcohol in 2008 (SAMSHA, 2009). Over the years comprehensive research has been accomplished and has determined that children raised by substance using parents are at an increased risk for developing substance use disorders (SUDs) in adulthood as a result of familial dissemination of substance abuse through both the environments in which the children are raised and genetic susceptibility (Merikangas et al., 1998; Merikangas & Avenevoli, 2000). However, there is an insignificant amount of literature examining the effects that the combined treatment and recovery of substance abusing parents has
Over the years comprehensive research has been accomplished and has determined that children raised by substance using parents are at an increased risk for developing substance use disorders (SUDs) in adulthood as a result of familial dissemination of substance abuse through both the environments in which the children are raised and genetic susceptibility (Merikangas et al., 1998; Merikangas & Avenevoli, 2000). Unfortunately, there is an insignificant amount of literature examining the effects that the combined treatment and recovery of substance abusing parents has on the affected children.
There are many models and theories which attempt to explain the causes of substance misuse and dependence. They range from those which highlight the importance of genetic and biological factors to those which stress social and psychological factors and those which may consider the ‘blame’ to be that of the dependent individual (Rassool 2009).
Biology and genetics influence substance abuse and addiction. According to Prescott, Madden, and Stallings, (2006), a number of obstacles confront researchers considering genetic influences on substance-related behavior. Preliminary there is a significant discrepancy across civilizations and archival periods in the prevalence and classifications of substance use (i.e., cocaine, alcohol, tobacco, cocaine, or heroin). A person’s biology is a determination in the addiction of risk. For example, Prescott, Madden, and Stallings (2006) assert many studies indicate increased rates of alcoholism among adopted males; although he is not influenced by his own biological parents (p. 475; see Cadoret et al. 1985; see Cloninger et al. 1981). It has been suggested that twins (e.g., adults) are most likely to inherit smoking dependence. Various studies throughout countries study variables (e.g., age and gender) according to Prescott, Madden, and Stallings (2006).
al., 2008). In the juvenile justice system, an estimated 45% to 75% of inhabitants are diagnosed with some sort of a mental disability (Shelton & Pearson, 2005). This staggering statistic goes unnoticed by most of the general population. An estimated 40% of untreated ADHD juveniles will be arrested by their sixteenth birthday. This is not a statistic to ignore. Many youth with this disorder are finding themselves incarcerated or arrested in early stages of life. There is research to conclude that attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder could lead to higher rates of offending (Unnever et al., 2003). However, the effect that ADHD has on delinquency is not direct. This may lead to some confusion. Being diagnosed with ADHD is not an excuse for offending, but the symptoms and behaviors of a juvenile with this psychiatric disorder could lead to higher rates of offending if the juvenile is not receiving proper therapy and/or treatment. For example, having attention deficit/hyper activity disorder could lead to a hyperactive conduct disorder, a disorder that easily overlaps with ADHD in the Classification of Disorders (Von Polier, Vloet, & Herpertz-Dahlmann, 2012). A conduct disorder is a stronger predictor of juvenile delinquency, along with continued crime into adulthood (Byrd, Loeber, & Pardini, 2011). A juvenile with ADHD is
Anti-social behavior becomes a clinical disorder if reaching High levels. At a young age,kidsshow symptoms of oppositional-defiant disorder when displaying hostility towards authority. At an older age, theymay steal, lie, or engage in violent behaviors, which are symptoms of conduct disorder. An increase in serious school disciplinary problems, delinquency, and violent crimes indicates a rise in antisocial behavior in general, explains a mental health professional. Also, studies show that 30% to 70% of childhood psychiatric admissions are a result of disruptive behavior disorders, and that the diagnoses of behavior disorders are generally increasing.
When someone says, “You get that laugh or that smile from your father or your mother.” You don’t always believe them, but in some studies today it is said that if your parents or anyone in your family has a history of a drug addiction those traits in their genes have a decent chance of being passed down to the children causing problems for them later in life. According to the Drugs and Addiction article in the 2009 Addiction Journal, “Family, twin and adoption studies suggest that the heritability of substance use disorders is moderate to