Biological theories of drug use attribute risk to which kinds of factors?

• A. Psychological
• B. Sociological
• C. Biological
• D. Neuropsychosmatic

Answer: (C)

Biological theories of drug use focus on the body's own biology as the source of risk. They look at genetic predispositions, differences in brain chemistry and neurobiology, and how bodily systems related to reward, motivation, and stress respond to substances. For example, variations in neurotransmitter pathways like dopamine can influence how rewarding a drug feels, and inherited traits can make someone more vulnerable to dependence. Metabolic and physiological factors, such as how quickly someone metabolizes a drug, can also shape risk and progression.

This emphasis on inherent biological substrates sets it apart from psychological explanations, which center on mental states and coping styles, and sociological explanations, which examine social context, norms, and environment. Neuropsychosomatic ideas blend brain–body interactions with psychological factors, but the core framing of these theories is still rooted in biology, making biological factors the defining element.