Evolution meets biopsychosociality: an analysis of addictive behavior

Abstract

Evolutionary theory can inform the biopsychosocial approach to addictive behavior through the use of adaptationist thinking, or how natural selection has shaped the mechanisms and processes underlying addiction. Covering how evolutionary theory relates to biology, psychology and sociality, this paper examines three components to drug use and abuse: a biological mechanism (mesolimbic dopamine), a developmental trajectory (attachment) and a social phylogeny (dominance, submission, social dependence). The paper argues for a salience (or wanting) view of the function of dopamine; outlines how attachment affects time perspective, closure of internal models and self-regulation; and examines how inequality affects drug abuse and how social dependence and manipulative behaviors can play a role in relationships with drugs. The article concludes with an analysis of how the adaptive approach applies to interventions against addictive behavior.

Amphetamine effects in microtine rodents: A comparative study using monogamous and promiscuous vole species

“…The mesocorticolimbic dopamine system also plays a pivotal role in drug addiction (Self et al, 1998;Yun et al, 2004), and a number of authors have suggested that addictive substances "hijack" the central processes that normally mediate social attachment (Lende and Smith, 2002;Panksepp et al, 2002;Insel, 2003). Such a suggestion is supported by observations that social isolation is a potent stimulus for self-administration of addictive substances (Howes et al, 2000).…”

Psychostimulants

“…To view controlled drug use as driven by the pharmacological reinforcing effects of the drug may be an oversimplification of the complex processes driving these behaviors. While drug addiction constitutes a maladaptive behavior, the nonaddicted controlled use of psychostimulant drugs might, under certain circumstances, have beneficial effects on life goals, performance, or well-being (Hagen et al, 2009;Lende & Smith, 2002;M€ uller & Schumann, 2011aM€ uller & Schumann, , 2011b.…”

Attachment, A Matter of Substance: The Potential of Attachment Theory in the Treatment of Addictions

“…As a result, they were not provided with coping strategies to manage emotional distress. As adults, interpersonal relationships are frightening and unpredictable, and as a result they may favor the immediate gratification of substance use (Lende and Smith 2002). Recent studies have found fearfulavoidant attachment to be linked with addictive disorders (Fonagy et al 1996;Piehler et al 2012;Schindler et al 2007).…”