The Oxytocin-Dopamine Convergence Model: A Proposed Integrative Framework for Understanding Addiction Vulnerability

This working paper presents the Oxytocin-Dopamine Convergence Model (Version 2.1), an integrative theoretical framework explaining why diverse addiction risk factors converge on a common neurobiological pathway. The model posits that five major risk factors—childhood trauma, alexithymia, ADHD, insecure attachment, and loneliness/social isolation—despite their apparent heterogeneity, share a common underlying mechanism: dysregulation of the oxytocin-dopamine balance. A key contribution is the explicit evidence hierarchy: Childhood trauma is classified as Tier 1 (robust evidence based on systematic reviews), while the other four pathways represent Tier 2 (emerging evidence). The paper also transparently documents factors considered but excluded based on systematic evidence review (neuroticism, borderline personality disorder, conduct disorder). When endogenous oxytocin production is compromised, the protective "social buffering" effect is weakened, making artificial rewards disproportionately attractive. Critically, this model focuses on endogenous oxytocin (produced through social bonding) rather than exogenous oxytocin (nasal spray), which has shown limited efficacy in human trials. This framework addresses UN Sustainable Development Goal 3.5, suggesting that interventions strengthening social bonding in middle childhood (ages 8-10) may address the root cause of addiction vulnerability.