Why do some become addicted
Samuel Vorster
Introduction
The period of adolescence is a crucial stage of human development1,3,4,6,9,10. Biologically, there is a vast amount of neural pruning taking place, which the outcome thereof prepares the individual for adulthood. Unfortunately, during this process, the opportunity to initiate substance use (or any addictive behavior) takes place4. Not every adolescent who starts using substances will become dependent, but when combined with certain risk factors, in the absence of protective factors, can lead to the presentation of a substance use disorder (aka SUD) later in life.1,2,3,6,10
Risk factors and protective factors in Adolescent substance use disorders
Risk factors that put adolescents in danger of, and the factors that play a major r...
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