GROUP 4

ILLEGAL DRUG
ADDICTION
Table of Contents
Introduction
25 variables
Causal Loop
Detailed Discussion
Conclusion
Documentation
Attendance during Meeting
 Introduction
Illegal drug addiction is a widespread and
complex issue that affects individuals and
communities globally. It involves the harmful,
compulsive use of substances such as cocaine,
heroin, methamphetamine, and others, leading to
severe health, social, and legal consequences.
Understanding the impact of illegal drug
25 Variables
Genetics Social isolation Access to Treatment
Environmental influences Legal consequences Cultural factors
Peer Pressure Substance abuse education Substance potency
Mental Health Disorder Employment status Coping mechanism
Early exposure to Drugs Prescription drug misuse Biological
predisposition/personality traits
Traumatic Experiences Social stigma Social Support
Socioeconomic factors Substance dependence Educational
attainment
Lack of Family support Gateway drugs
Availability of drugs Dual Diagnosis
CAUSAL LOOP
BALANCING LOOP
Balancing Loop: Factors Influencing Drug Addiction
Positive Educational Attainment (B1+): Higher educational
attainment is associated with increased awareness and
understanding, potentially reducing the likelihood of drug
abuse. Positive Access to Treatment (B2+): Improved access
to treatment resources facilitates recovery, addressing the
negative impacts of addiction. Positive Social Support (B3+):
Strong family and social support contribute to a healthier
environment, supporting individuals in overcoming addiction.
Balancing Legal Consequences (B4-): Legal consequences
act as a deterrent, balancing the loop by discouraging
engagement in drug-related activities.
This balancing loop illustrates how positive factors (education,
treatment access, and social support) can contribute to a
healthier state, while legal consequences act as a balancing
mechanism to discourage negative behaviors associated with
REINFORCING LOOP
Reinforcing Loop: Escalation of Drug Addiction
Positive Availability of Drugs (R1+): Increased availability of
drugs leads to higher substance abuse opportunities. Positive
Substance Potency (R2+): Higher potency substances may
intensify the addictive impact, contributing to increased drug
use. Positive Coping Mechanisms (R3+): Individuals may use
drugs as a coping mechanism, reinforcing the pattern of
substance abuse. Negative Mental Health Disorders (R4+) :
are conditions that affect a person's thinking, feeling, behavior,
or mood.
This reinforcing loop highlights how certain factors
(availability, substance potency, and coping mechanisms) can
contribute to an escalating pattern of drug addiction. Legal
consequences act as a negative link attempting to
counterbalance this reinforcidiagnosis
REINFORCING LOOP
Reinforcing Loop: Self-Reinforcing Cycle
Illegal drug addiction
•Genetics
•Environmental Influence
•Lack of Family support
•Substance Dependence
This loop seems to represent a reinforcing system in the
context of illegal drug addiction. The factors involved—
Genetics, Environmental Influence, Lack of Family
Support, and Substance Dependence—likely create a self-
reinforcing cycle. For instance, genetic predispositions may
increase susceptibility to substance dependence, environmental
influences may further contribute to the development of
addiction, and a lack of family support can exacerbate these
factors. The presence of substance dependence then reinforces
the cycle, potentially perpetuating the impact of genetics,
BALANCING LOOP
Balancing Loop: Delicate Equilibrium
Illegal drug addiction
• peer pressure
•socioeconomic factor
•substance abuse
•social isolation
This loop appears to represent a balancing system related to
illegal drug addiction. The factors involved—Peer Pressure,
Socioeconomic Factors, Substance Abuse, and Social
Isolation—likely contribute to a delicate equilibrium. For
instance, increased peer pressure and substance abuse may lead
to social isolation, which could act as a counterbalancing force.
Likewise, socioeconomic factors may influence the dynamics
of peer pressure and substance abuse, contributing to a
balancing effect on the overall issue of illegal drug addiction.
Changes in one factor may impact the others, creating a
Conclusion
In conclusion, the pervasive nature of illegal drug
addiction necessitates a comprehensive approach to
address its profound impact on individuals and
communities. By recognizing the severe health,
social, and legal consequences associated with
compulsive substance use, it becomes increasingly
evident that concerted efforts to understand and
mitigate the effects of illegal drug addiction are