Editorial: individual differences in addiction

Theories and explanations of addiction tend to focus on different and often opposing theoretical frame works rooted in specific areas of our understanding of human behaviour. For example the disease model of addiction has played a significant role in the literature relating to explanations for addiction (Leshner, 1997). The focus however is shifting to a broader multidisciplinary approach. This takes into account different theoretical perspectives including for example genetics and social environmental variables which clearly have a significant role in explaining, understanding and treating addiction (Volkow et al., 2016). As well as this more inclusive approach, the scientific literature has shifted its focus towards the individual both in respect to understanding addiction and to treating addiction (Drossel et al., 2023). Further to this, as clearly expressed in this collection of research, understanding addiction is evolving. Not only is the focus for theoretical approaches to understanding addiction shifting to the individual but it is longer the case that when we talk about addiction we are referring just to substance use disorder. As indicated in this collection of research the role of technology in addiction especially smartphone use and interaction with the internet, has become a central theme in behavioural addiction.