The importance of the individual's micro-environment in drug consumption : A novel conceptual framework applied to the modeling of binge drinking.

The identification of psychosocial risk and protective factors associated with substance use during adolescence is crucial for the prevention and treatment of addictive behaviors. However, in the mathematical modeling of addictions, these psychological and social dimensions are often addressed in isolation. By focusing on the immediate socialization environment of adolescents, comprising peers, parents and family, and school, and considering them as risk and protective factors, we mathematically model binge drinking behavior from interaction dynamics among individuals and their predisposition to consumption based on evolutionary and adaptive reasons. Our findings indicate that, in the face of negative peer influence, prosocial behaviors, as well as supportive attitudes from parents and family, and the school environment, have the potential to inhibit long-term binge drinking. This tendency is strengthened when protective situations are consistently promoted in response to risky scenarios, which is in line with both theoretical approaches to prevention and current public policy on drug consumption.