Recently, we have witnessed a rise in not only drug-related but also non-substance pathological addictions (NPZ). The causes of their emergence are multifactorial. We consider biologically significant factors, social and sociocultural factors, specific experiences from a person’s family of origin, the influence of particular behavioural models, preferences for certain values, the accumulation of negative influences of various kinds, the lack of reliable support as well as satisfying interpersonal relationships, peer groups, the influence of broader society and the operation of generally valid social norms. The trio of basic factors standing in the background of NPZ development is completed by the personality traits of the individual.
In this context, we were interested in biological factors as a possible determinant of NPZ. We formulated this idea into a hypothesis in which we assumed the following: the occurrence of NPZ in parents determines their onset and development in biological children.
To confirm, or conversely refute, the truthfulness of the statement contained in this hypothesis, we conducted a quantitative survey in which 151 respondents participated. Specifically, it involved pathological gamblers, because gambling is currently among the most prevalent NPZ in society. And since these share course characteristics, diagnostic criteria, and general principles of treatment approaches, we can apply the results obtained also to all other types of NPZ.
The presence of biological factors influencing the emergence of NPZ among our respondents was assessed by three questions, representing the first set of the questionnaire, focused on identifying not only biological but also social and sociocultural, as well as personality factors involved in the development of NPZ.
In relation to the problem under discussion, however, we were interested only in the answers to this previously mentioned first set of questions, because these were precisely focused on identifying the biological factors determining NPZ. For these three questions, respondents were to choose one correct answer from several alternatives.
The first question required respondents to identify themselves as female or male. The percentage representation of members of both sexes in the representative survey sample is documented in the following graph:
Based on the graphically processed data concerning respondents’ sex, we can state that no woman took part in the survey. From this, we conclude that one of the biological risk factors responsible for the emergence of NPZ is male sex.
The second question was aimed at determining the respondents’ age. The overview of the age spectrum of participants is again presented in graph form:
These empirical data allowed us to determine the most at-risk age period within the considered biological determination of NPZ. As the graph shows, NPZ poses the highest risk for younger adult men, that is, men aged 20 to 35, whereas seniors — that is, men classified in the old-age period of human life — cannot be considered a risk group.
Through the third and at the same time the final question relating to biological determination of NPZ, we investigated whether any of the NPZ was present in either of the biological parents of our respondents. The obtained results were again recorded in the form of the graph shown below:
Processing the answers to this third question simultaneously allows us to take a final position regarding the hypothesis, which presumed that the occurrence of NPZ in parents determines their emergence and development in biological children. Based on the survey results for the last tested question, however, we cannot confirm the content of this hypothesis.
Building on the established findings, we also disagree with Vágnerová (2004), who considered biological factors to be etiologically significant causes of addictive and impulsive disorders, a category that includes pathological gambling, because only 17.9% of participants confirmed the presence of gambling in at least one of their biological parents. The remaining 82.1% of respondents completely ruled out this possibility, which is why our research hypothesis was not confirmed, in which, based on analogous views of other authors dealing with this issue in the professional sphere, we assumed that the emergence of NPZ is caused by, among other things, biological factors.
However, even the aforementioned 17.9% of respondents confirming the presence of at least one NPZ among their biological parents is not entirely negligible, and it is possible to incline toward Matouška’s (2003) theory, which allows for the alternative that a tendency to seek this kind of exciting new experiences is at least partly hereditary, of which the evidence could also be our mentioned 17.9% of participants.
Although some medical studies point to a hereditary factor in NPZ, this means only that predisposition is inherited. If mothers or fathers who suffered from one of the NPZ do not neglect prevention, their children have a high likelihood of avoiding these disorders (Ladishová, 2006).
If we assume that it is always better to prevent each NPZ than to treat it, we focus on prevention of NPZ in practical suggestions and recommendations within this topic. In this direction, we were inspired by the strategy of the British model of drug addiction prevention. It places the focus of prevention also in out-of-school settings, thereby extending its impact to different age groups, but despite its society-wide reach, it is highly concrete and understandable to everyone. For these reasons, we will attempt to apply it also in the field of NPZ prevention, since general signs and diagnostic criteria are common to both substance-related and non-substance addictions. The entire model consists of fifteen basic principles divided into four key areas.
The first key area focuses on actual risks and protective factors depending on activities within precisely defined population groups. It includes three principles:
- clear definition of the population,
- precise estimation of risk of addictive behaviours for the given population and possible protection,
- increased attention to groups of people with a high degree of danger and low level of protection.
The second key area focuses on the effectiveness of programs, projects and interventions. It consists of several principles:
- the need to create a societal climate against NPZ,
- development of life skills and techniques for refusing addictive activities,
- reduction of risks and strengthening of family protection,
- strengthening of social bonds,
- development of interventions targeted at a precisely specified population.
The third key area focuses on timeliness of intervention. It consists of three principles:
- prevention of dependency development at the earliest possible age,
- prevention focused on leisure activities,
- implementation of preventive activities in the home environment.
The fourth key area focuses on more effective management of preventive programs. It is composed of three principles:
- turning projects into programs usable in other communities as well,
- training of staff and professionals,
- monitoring and verification of programs.
In conclusion, it is important to note that in no way do we intend to generalize either the results obtained in the survey or the proposed practical recommendations for the whole community of dependent individuals. Because even despite everything, we remain convinced that society is defined not by universality, but by the individuality of each human being, and precisely in the spirit of preserving this principle, activities should be developed not only by social workers but also by representatives of all other professions in work with dependent clients or other users of social services.
Author: Mgr. Tatiana Jurková Used literature:
MALOVIČ, P. 2007. Technologické závislosti. In Sociálna prevencia. ISSN 1336-9679, 2007, roč.2., č.2, s.12. MATOUŠEK, O. 2003. Slovník sociální práce. Praha:Portál Praha, 2003. 288 s. ISBN 80-7178-549-0. LADISHOVÁ, L. C. 2006. Strach z jedla. Ružomberok: Epos, 2006. 159 s. ISBN 80-89191-44-4.