A description of the factors (biological risks, psychological risks, socio-cultural risks, and environmental risks) that relate to each other in complicated ways that can lead to drug abuse or drug addiction.

Multidisciplinary examination of the science of addiction attempts to unravel its complexities by considering genetics, brain chemistry, environmental risk factors, and related topics.

Using the models, Common Sense Theory and Swiss Cheese Model, an explanation of why some people with risk factors, but not others develop a substance abuse problem.