NG LifeMag EMAG Feb 2024 - Flipbook - Page 12
The complexity
of addiction
In the 1930s, researchers ini琀椀ally believed
that people with addic琀椀ons had moral 昀氀aws
or lacked willpower. They thought overcoming
addic琀椀on required punishing them or pushing
them to break the habit.
Fortunately, our understanding of addic琀椀on
has evolved. Today, we see addic琀椀on as a
chronic disease that alters the brain's structure
and func琀椀on. Like how heart disease a昀昀ects
the heart and diabetes a昀昀ects the pancreas,
addic琀椀on takes over the brain. It starts with
seeking pleasure and ends with compulsive
behaviour.
Several factors can influence
addiction, including:
1. BIOLOGICAL FACTORS
Gene琀椀cs play a substan琀椀al role, with
certain individuals having gene琀椀c
predisposi琀椀ons that make them more
vulnerable to addic琀椀on. Moreover,
chronic substance use can lead to
neurobiological changes in the brain,
further entrenching addic琀椀ve behaviours.
2. PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS
Co-occurring mental health disorders,
such as depression, anxiety, or trauma,
frequently coexist with addic琀椀on.
Individuals may turn to substances
or behaviours as a coping mechanism,
further complica琀椀ng the issue.
3. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
The environment in which one lives
and interacts can signi昀椀cantly in昀氀uence
addic琀椀on risk. Exposure to a culture
that normalises substance use or certain
behaviours can promote addic琀椀on,
as can stressors like family problems,
socio-economic disadvantage, or
peer pressure.