Causes of addiction and impulse control disorders

Genetic – Alcohol 

This is supported by the family-based nature of the disorder and the significantly higher concordance rates in identical twins. 

SCHUCKIT (1985) found that there are real differences between men with alcoholic fathers and men with non-alcoholic fathers, suggesting that the role of genes in this addiction is strong.

For more detailed information – Schuckit (1985) 

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Biochemical – dopamine 

Dopamine levels have been linked to addiction/ ICD because when it is released in the body it gives a feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. These feelings will then become a desire, causing the behaviour to be repeated to release more dopamine.

Voon et al (2010) found that when participants were given a dopamine agonist, impulsive choice increased, reaction times became faster and they showed fewer decision conflicts than the control group. However, the participants had Parkinson’s disease, so we cannot be sure the results can be related to impulse control disorders.

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Behavioural – positive reinforcement 

Idea that addiction is the result of positive reinforcement, which occurs when an action is associated with a pleasurable outcome, making a person more likely to engage in that behaviour. 

For example, someone from chronic pain will experience relief after taking painkillers. This experiences is rewarding, thus they will take the drug again to feel the same relief and this will eventually lead to addiction and dependence.

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Cognitive or personality 

Belief that addiction is a result of distorted cognition and personality types.

Gannon et al (2013) examined 68 pyromaniacs and 68 control participants using a range of questionnaires that measured personality traits. The characteristics that were more common in pyromaniacs were:

• Higher anger-related cognition 
• Interest in serious fires
• Lower levels of fire safety awareness
• Lower general self-esteem 
• External locus of control 

Wedekind et al (2013) studied the personality and attachment profiles of 59 alcoholics through questionnaires and structured interviews. Only 1/3 of them were securely attached, all of them had high levels of trait-anxiety and higher levels of cognitive avoidance.