Why are some people more likely to become opioid-dependent?
Exactly why some people, and not others, become dependent on opioids (or any addictive substance) is not totally understood. Most people who take opioids do not become opioid-dependent. However, certain factors appear to increase the likelihood of dependence, including: Risk-taking or novelty-seeking personality7 Psychiatric disorders (eg, depression, bipolar disorder)7 Stress (high stress seems to increase the desire to use drugs)8 Properties of the drug itself (eg, how quickly it creates a “high,” how long the effects of the drug last) 7 Genetic factors that influence drug metabolism7 Genetic factors contributing to the risk of addiction (ie, a family history of alcoholism) 7 Lastly, substance abuse, which can lead to dependence, is often highly influenced by societal norms and peer pressure.