Why do some become addicted while others who may also be drug users do not?

          According to the National Institure, Nora Volkow explains that some people may be more prone to addiction than others for a wide variety of factors such as, genetics, environmental situations, or developmental factors. Volkow explains that, “genetics accounts for approximately half of an individual’s vulnerability to become addicted if they were to be exposed to drugs,” (Volkow, 2013). While genetics plays a big part in drug addiction, there are many other underlying reasons as well. One’s environment; whether it be because of peer pressure, family related issues, one’s culture, or the neighborhood one has grown up in, can be a major reason why a drug abuser was more vulnerable than another (Volkow, 2013). She explains that it is possible that genes and their function can change if one has a lot of stress in their life or if they are exposed to drugs. If this happens, it results in a change of one’s brain circuits, which causes many dangerous effects. During adolescent years, the brain is still in the process of rapid development such as decision making skills and risk taking tendencies, so adolescents will be more vulnerable during this time of their lives (Volkow, 2013). As you can see, there are many different factors as to why some become addicted to drugs while others do not. It is not a simple explanation. Just because one person may have a lower risk than another, it is still very possible for anyone to become addicted to drugs. 

Jamie LW

Reference:

Science.education.nih.gov/supplements/nih2/addiction/guide/essence.htm