Classes of Psychoactive substances
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Cannabis
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants
- Opioids
- Sedatives/hypnotics
- Stimulants
- Tobacco
Predisposing Factors
- Biological factors
- Genetics: Apparent hereditary factor, particularly with alcoholism
- Biochemical: Alcohol may produce morphine-like substances in the brain that are responsible for alcohol addiction
- Psychological factors
- Developmental influences
- Punitive superego
- Fixation in the oral stage of psychosexual development
- Personality factors: Certain personality traits are thought to increase a tendency toward addictive behavior.
- Cognitive factors: Irrational thinking patterns have long been identified as a problem that is central in addictions.
- Sociocultural factors
- Social learning: Children and adolescents are more likely to use substances with parents who provide a model for substance use.
- Use of substances may also be promoted within a peer group.
- Conditioning: Pleasurable effects from substance use act as a positive reinforcement for continued use of the substance.
- Cultural and ethnic influences: Some cultures are more prone to substance abuse than are others.
