The study of the causes of drug addiction has long caused conflict among many people. There are two causes of substance abuse that have been debated for many years. The first cause would be environmental. The second cause is a genetic cause that causes people to turn to drugs and alcohol. In "Touch of Grey", Lanthrop comes to the conclusion that his drug addiction problem has both genetic and environmental causes. This argument is particularly compelling because it uses research and a personal statement to prove its conclusions. Although environmental issues have a large impact on drug addiction, it is genetics that has the greatest impact on drug addiction. Many environmental factors contribute to a person's predisposition to drug addiction. These factors include, but are not limited to, stress, early physical or sexual abuse, witnessing violence, peers who use drugs, and the availability of drugs. (Addiction Science) The desire to be accepted within a particular group often creates enormous stress in adolescents. This stress and feeling of alienation is a driving force toward drug use. Research has shown that “another important environmental factor is the quantity and quality of emotional and social support a person receives. Adolescents who report having an adult they trust and can talk to, for example, are at lower risk of addiction than those who don't. » (Environmental factors) A poor environment also increases the risk of substance abuse and dependence. Those living in poor lifestyles often face incarceration and dropping out of school. Those who drop out of school, are unemployed or live in dangerous areas are "at higher risk, especially if their home environment has already exposed them to drugs...... middle of paper...... discussing whether either environmental factors or biological factors suggest a more significant influence on drug addiction, it is clear that biological factors have a significantly greater influence. Lanthrop's argument that drug addiction is caused by both your environment and genetics is very intriguing. Lanthrop not only uses solid medical and statistical evidence in his statement, but he also uses personal experience. By using personal experience in his argument, Lanthrop establishes credibility or ethos with his readers as well as emotional appeal or pathos. By establishing credibility and appealing to the emotional side of readers, Lanthrop effectively argues that drug addiction is influenced by a person's environment and their genetic code. However, among the two main causes of drug addiction, genetics has the greatest impact on the substance abuse problem..