Brain Functioning

Scientists use positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and functioned magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to track changes in all regions of the brain and map the distribution of neurotransmitters. These new imaging tools allow experts to better understand how each brain region affect mood and other functions.

The tools show how emotions are activated, how certain people produce mood boosting neurons slower than others which impairs the growth of nerve cells and that if there are weak links in sensory output, people may experience speech, behavioral and thinking problems.

Genetics

Medical researchers have found a gene, the PBRM1, present among over 62 percent of addicts. While the gene does not prove that addiction is 100 percent genetic, it does show that those with a certain gene or genetic mutations are more susceptible to addiction.

Additionally, if one parent suffers from an addiction, their child will have a 15-30 percent chance of developing an addiction as well.

Family History

In 2009, scientists found that the more family members a person has who have had an addiction, the greater the chances are of that person developing an addiction.

Family history, as well as family life play a huge role in the susceptibility of addiction. How people interact with their families has a lot to do with developing an addiction; for children who are exposed to physical or emotional abuse, they will eventually suffer from some sort of addiction, as well as a mental health disorder.

Immediate Environment

These causes have nothing to do with the brain or genetics; they are everyday situations that can significantly impact daily functioning, as well as whether or not an addiction will develop. Examples of immediate environment factors include:

• Prolonged stress at home or work
• Coping with the loss of a loved one
• Experiencing a traumatic event

According to the contributing writers for All About Depression, “there appears to be a complex relationship among stressful situations, our mind and body’s reaction to stress, and the onset of [...]” an addiction. Not all stressful situations will cause an addiction; however, for someone who may already be suffering from underlying mental health disorder, it will cause the symptoms for their disorders to increase significantly.

In fact, medical professionals believe that those who suffer from addiction may be suffering from some sort of mental health disorder that they are unaware of. Most believe that mental health disorders are the leading cause of substance abuse. This is because those with mental illness self-medicate and it is well known that self-medication usually leads to abuse, which then leads to addiction.

Because of this, treatment centers for opiate addiction continuously strive to identify co-occurring disorders in order to provide the best possible opiate addiction treatments for an addict who also suffers from mental illness.