| Abstract: | Research findings suggest that alcoholism and drug abuse may be predisposed by inherited behavioral propensities or temperaments. These inherited predispositions, through interaction with the physical and social environments, shape the development of personality. As discussed herein, there is strong evidence linking certain personality characteristics, specifically antisocial and neurotic traits, with the risk for substance abuse. Thus, personality and its precursor, temperament, comprise an important diathesis. However, an adverse outcome also depends on a variety of developmental and environmental factors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
