Biological Factors Linked With Addiction

What do we mean by the expression biological factors?

Biological factors are “Compounds made by living organisms that contribute to or influence a phenomenon or process. They have biological or physiological activities.”

The realm of addiction is a mystery to many people who know or suspect that they, as well as others, have addictions of various kinds. The more common addictions are alcohol, nicotine and other substances like marijuana, cocaine, heroin, narcotics, sleeping pills and other drugs. People can also become addicted to substances like caffeine, tea and chocolate.

How do biological factors play a role in addiction?

The Center for Mental Health and Addiction (CAMH) discusses biological factors related to addiction.

They suggest that there is a genetic biological factor in addiction, in terms of the human response and metabolism of alcohol, as well as neurological dysfunction in respect to those who begin to drink at an early age. This shows up with tobacco and drugs, as well. 

Genetic inheritance, as well as tolerance and physical dependence are aspects of the biological factors scenario.  

Predisposition towards addiction:

If one is to argue that genetics is the only biological factor in addiction, then there must also be an erroneous presupposition that every person who has a history of alcoholism in his or her family is predisposed to alcoholism.

There is no doubt that fetal alcohol syndrome is recognizable in a parent-infant scenario, where excessive alcohol consumption by the parents is recognized. One can only assume that other addictive substances are traceable, even though there may not be studies done on them, at this time. This supposition would also ignore or eliminate the human response to alcohol consumption and other potentially addictive and harmful substances. 

The human response:

The human response to the use or consumption of alcohol and other addictive substances, varies from individual to individual, as well as from family to family. It even varies in different communities. For example, there are culturally oriented communities that thrive on drinking wine, where as other communities forbid or avoid excessive consumption. There is also the free will factor that has to enter the picture, at some point in time. This goes beyond any genetic factor.

Human beings can choose to use or consume addictive substances in moderation or in excess. They can also choose not to allow, use or consume any addictive substances, at all. One might suggest that future generations could experience differences in their genetic structure depending upon the free will and choices of their ancestors. 

The metabolism of alcohol:

“Metabolism refers to all the physical and chemical processes in the body that convert or use energy, such as breathing, circulating blood, controlling body temperatures, contracting muscles, digesting food and nutrients, eliminating waste through urine and feces and function of the brain and nerves.”

What this means is that we must look at genetics, human response and how the body reacts to the use or consumption of alcohol or other, potentially addictive or addictive substances. 

Neurological dysfunction:

Perhaps the area of major concern with addiction has more to do with potential neurological dysfunction, resulting from the use and abuse of addictive substances. In other words, the concern is not so much that people use and abuse addictive substances, but rather, the fact there is damage done that may not be reversible.

The longer an addiction continues, the higher the likelihood of permanent damage to the human body, as well as the possibility of an altered genetic structure that may not be compatible with life or quality of life.

To use a simple example, any thing that impairs oxygen flow to the human body, affects the entire body, including one’s circulation. Additional addictive substances carried throughout the body decrease the oxygenation, as well as circulation even further, continually creating a demand for more of the addictive substance.

When the level of the addictive substance diminishes, there is withdrawal and subsequent negative or adverse responses by various parts of the body. Neurological dysfunction can occur, with or without a human response, depending upon one’s metabolism of alcohol or other addictive substances. This may lead back to altered genetic factors, potentially inherited by the next generation.    

Tolerance and physical dependence can vary, but documented research will show that addiction is potentially lethal, not just to the individual, family and community, but also in terms of the larger picture for the future.

It would appear that a global tragedy related to addiction, is unfolding even now.