You are writing a white paper for jail staff on the origins of addictions, alcoholism and chemical dependency. This is part of the staff training requirement to be sensitive to the needs of the population that they serve.

Assignment Guidelines

• Address the following in 4–5 pages
  • Briefly describe and summarize the following with regard to the origins of addictions, alcoholism, and chemical dependency:
    • Genetic Predisposition
    • Environmental Issues
    • Psychological Theories
    • Other (select one other theory or explanation for addiction)
  • Next, answer the questions with regard to the four types of explanations listed above:
    • How much research exists for the explanations of the origins of addiction, alcoholism, and chemical dependency? Explain.
      • Consider studies conducted in both laboratories as well as social settings.
    • Based on the research you have examined, what seems to be the most prevailing school of thought regarding chemical dependency? Explain.
    • What gaps still exist with regard to the research? Explain.
      • What issues do you feel need to be addressed in order to improve current research? Explain.