ABSTRACT
The roots of addictive behaviours can be found in our early lives. They are influenced by our genes, even our parents’ genes, the way we learn about relationships and the world when we are very young, the way that the adults around us model appetites and balance in emotion and behaviour. As we grow up, different factors influence development towards or away from addictive behaviours. As teenagers, access and availability of substances is important, as is the compelling pull of friend groups and peer expectations. Adverse early life experiences are key in influencing addictive behaviours: the more we face, the more likely it is that we will develop a host of physical and mental health problems, including addictive behaviours. However, not everyone who faces trauma becomes addicted, and there are many factors that build resilience and protect against harm.
