Addiction to Chemical Substances

Addiction to Chemical Substances

There is much controversy that surrounds the etiology of addictions. Some theories suggest that addiction is related solely to genetic factors, while others identify environmental factors as the primary influences on addictive behavior. Most contemporary theories support the idea that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to substance addiction. However, there is still much debate about this in the field.

Use the module readings and the Argosy University online library resources to research chemical substance addiction.

Select a category of chemical substances with addiction potential (for example, alcohol, stimulants, or opiates). In this assignment, you will examine this selected substance in detail.

• How might a person become addicted to that category of chemical substance? Describe the process.
• What are the various genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the development of substance addiction as related to that category?

Support your responses using your readings and authoritative resources. Incorporate theory and factual information in your response such as examples of research findings related to addiction.

Write your initial response in 2–3 paragraphs. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

By Saturday, May 9, 2015, post your response to the appropriate Discussion Area. Through Wednesday, May 13, 2015, review and comment on at least two peers’ responses. Comment on the points made by asking questions, providing clarifications, giving another point of view, challenging their views, or showing relationships between two or more points in the discussion.

All discussion assignments in this course will be graded using a rubric. Download the discussion rubric and carefully read it to understand the expectations.