Etiology (Biopsychosocial Model)

Biological: Genetic vulnerability (family history of substance use disorders), neurochemical imbalances (dopamine, GABA, glutamate), altered brain reward pathways, and tolerance/withdrawal mechanisms.

Psychological: Personality traits (impulsivity, sensation-seeking), co-occurring mental health disorders (depression, anxiety), maladaptive coping strategies, and learned associations with substance use.

Social: Peer pressure, availability and accessibility of substances, cultural attitudes, family dysfunction, trauma, and socioeconomic stressors.

Symptoms & Diagnosis:

C - Craving

R - Role failures

A - Activities reduced

V - Very risky use

I - Interpersonal issues

N - No control

G - Great deal of time used

S - Social/psychological problems

S - Strong desire to stop

T - Tolerance

O - Overuse

P - Physical/psychological withdrawal

Treatment

Substance-specific behavioral therapy

Pharmacotherapy (e.g., nicotine patches, bupropion, modafinil for stimulants)

Harm reduction, detox, relapse prevention