There are many factors that can cause addiction-

The Disease Concept

The direct relationship between neurotransmitters and drug abuse was discovered in 1970 that some neurotransmitters have molecular similarity to those of plant opioids –opium, morphine and heroin.
The normal human brain has a certain set level of release, increase and stabilization of dopamine –the pleasure neurotransmitter. However, in an addicted brain, the level of pleasure achieved is higher than normal and there is no plateau or stabilization phase, on the contrary, the levels dip down to below baseline. This simulates the effect of consumption of substance in an addictive brain. Eventually, with each succeeding drug or alcohol event, the addicted person must use more and more to get less and less of an effect (tolerance) — the levels continue falling further and further until they are using not to get high but just to get normal

The Genetic & Inheritance Concept

Children born of Alcoholic parents have 4% more chances to be alcoholics.
Staying with Biological parents or Foster parents has not made any difference
The theory of inheritance of alcoholism, suicidal depression, and epilepsy is known in female children of alcoholic parents. Some inherit anger, some inherit depression but more often so; it is the self-destructive attitude.

The Dysfunctional family Concept

Dysfunctional family members have common symptoms and behavior patterns as a result of their experiences within the family structure. This tends to reinforce the dysfunctional behavior, either through enabling or perpetuation. The family unit can be affected by a variety of factors

The following symptoms occur in most dysfunctional families:

Lack of empathy, understanding, and sensitivity toward certain family members; while, on the other hand, expressing extreme empathy toward one or more family members who have (real or perceived) “special needs”

Denial (a refusal to acknowledge abusive behavior; also known as the “elephant in the room”) Extremes in conflict (either too much fighting or insufficient arguing between family members)

Inadequate or missing boundaries for self (e.g., tolerating inappropriate treatment from others, failing to express what is acceptable and unacceptable treatment, tolerance of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse)

Unequal or unfair treatment of one or more family members due to their gender, age (e.g., seniors, children), abilities, race, economic status, etc. (may include frequent appeasement of one member at the expense of others, or uneven enforcement of rules).

Abnormal sexual behavior such as incest

Abuse in childhood in any form emotional or physical.

Divorced or separated parents in continuous conflict, or parents who should separate, but do not (to the detriment of their children)

People living in such an environment can easily fall prey to addictions as relief from stifling family circumstances.

Behavioral Concept

A Maladaptive Personality who cannot adjust to his surroundings and to his internal milieu can be more prone to addictions.

Whatever may be the cause and theories related to the same... if a fracture has to heal it has to be plastered. Likewise, the addiction has to be treated first and in the process, the envelope of one’s life is turned inside out, and issues dealt with in a most compassionate, loving, confidential manner. We at Anatta Humanversity provide the right milieu for the same.