The role of impulsive personality traits in the initiation, development and treatment of substance misuse problems

Abstract

It is clear that an impulsive temperament plays a role in the initiation of substance use and is implicated in the development of substance misuse. However, the broad trait of impulsivity is more accurately thought of as two related dimensions reflecting broadly an increased sensitivity to reward and a separate trait related to impulsive decision making. In this chapter we discuss how treatments could take account of such traits. We consider the way in which universal and targeted approaches to substance misuse prevention could incorporate findings from the personality literature. We then consider how personality may influence the development of problem substance use, the neural changes that are a consequence of chronic use and the associated treatment implications.