Etiology of Addiction

Etiology of Addiction
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Etiology of Addiction
Over the last couple of years, many theories have emerged to describe drug abuse etiology. These theories can be classified into three subgroups of psychological, social and biological (Jahidi & Nakhaee, 2014). The existence of multiple theories of explaining drug addiction has helped in better explaining etiology of drug addiction, though this multiplicity has been accused of causing misunderstanding around the concept of etiology of addiction.
Most studies in drug addiction employ a qualitative approach where they make comparisons of factors in drug addicts with those of non-addicts. Given the lack of enough knowledge in relation to predisposing addiction factors, new models research has been recommended (Webb, Sniehotta & Michie, 2010). Similarly, the complexity of drug dependency has pointed towards the use of qualitative studies concerning the exploration of the process of addiction. In this context, qualitative approach may be beneficial for shedding more light on the reasons behind drug abuse. Narrative studies, also a form of qualitative approach may provide a rich understanding of why people abuse drugs (Jahidi & Nakhaee, 2014). Following this line of argument, it is clear that theories of etiology of drug abuse are heterogeneous.
Some theories are concerned with explaining motivations behind behavior change, how motivation leads to actual behavior change, and how new behaviors are maintained, enhanced or dropped. Thus, development of an effective intervention method may require the combination of two or more theories of etiology of drug abuse. One theory may help in shedding more light on one concept but fail in explaining another. For example, while one theory could be useful in explaining the adoption of smoking behavior, it may not help in explaining why smokers decided to quit or maintain their smoking beh...