Drug and alcohol addiction can have a profound, negative effect on every part of a person’s life. Many people wonder about the causes of addiction and how to reduce the risk of developing it.
Addiction is a complex condition with deep roots in many parts of a person’s life. Researchers believe that a person’s genes may have a role in their risk of developing substance abuse and addiction.
So, is addiction genetic? This article will explore the effect of genetics on your risk of becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol. You will learn:
- The genetic aspect of addiction
- Other risk factors for addiction
- How addiction can impact families
- Where to find addiction treatment and support
If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the specialists at The Living Room to explore our holistic approach to substance abuse treatment and recovery.
Is Addiction Hereditary?
Many people wonder if having a parent or close family member with addiction may raise their risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD). Research shows that having a parent or another close relative with SUD can increase a person’s risk for addiction. But does this mean there are specific genes related to addiction, or are there other factors involved?
Experts believe both genetics and experiences can affect a person’s risk of developing alcohol or drug addiction. Biological parents pass multiple genes to their children. Genes are the part of DNA that causes traits like eye color and height. Biological parents pass down about 50% of their genes to their children.
Children can inherit genetic health conditions from their parents. Research suggests that about half of a person’s risk of developing an addiction comes from their parents. This indicates that having a family history that includes high levels of addiction may mean a higher risk that a child will develop SUD.
However, addiction is a complex condition. Many factors contribute to the likelihood of developing substance use or addiction. Knowing you have a genetic history of addiction can help you make informed choices about your behaviors.
Having a high risk for addiction does not mean you will develop SUD. Research suggests that your mental health, behaviors, environment, and other factors can influence your risk of developing addiction.
What Other Factors Affect the Risk of Addiction?
Genetics can influence your risk of developing addiction. However, researchers believe other factors can be just as influential. Here are some of the other risk factors for substance use and addiction.
Mental health conditions
People with certain mental health conditions may have an increased risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD). These mental health conditions include:
- Depression
- Personality disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Anxiety disorders
People with these conditions may be more likely to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Self-medication can lead to physical dependence and other long-term problems.
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
People who experience traumatic events during childhood may be at higher risk for developing SUD later in life. Adverse childhood experiences include:
- Witnessing violence
- Experiencing sexual or physical abuse
- The death of a parent during childhood
- War
- Natural disaster
- An accident
- Living with a parent with SUD or mental health conditions
These early experiences can lead to chronic stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People with stress and PTSD may be more likely to use drugs and alcohol to cope. This can lead to addiction.
Environment
People who live in communities where drug and alcohol abuse are “normal” may be at higher risk of developing SUD. People in these communities may have greater access to addictive substances. They may also feel more pressure to use these substances to fit in with peers.
Addiction is a complex condition. While genetics can play a role in your risk of developing SUD, other factors can also impact your risk.
Addiction’s Impact on Families
When one member of a family lives with addiction, it affects every member of the family. Addiction can change the way people relate to their loved ones. It can change how people feel, think, and behave. It can affect the entire family system in many ways.
Addiction can cause:
- Broken trust among family members
- Neglected responsibilities or imbalances in responsibilities
- Unhealthy relationships dynamics
- Codependency
- Relationship problems or divorce
- Financial problems
- Legal trouble
- Violence
- Stress
- Guilt or shame
- Resentment
Families affected by addiction must seek comprehensive treatment to move forward. During treatment, the person with addiction receives comprehensive care, including:
- Medically-supported detox programs
- Mental health treatment
- Medications and medical care
- Behavioral therapies
- Individual and group therapy
- Relapse prevention education
Families can participate in education and therapy sessions. When families work together to address the roots and effects of addiction, all members can heal and move forward.
Find Treatment Now
If you or a loved one needs treatment to recover from addiction, you are not alone. Contact the specialists at The Living Room to learn about our comprehensive addiction treatment and support programs or to schedule an intake assessment.
References:
- Genetic Science Learning Center: Genes and Addiction
- National Institute of Health: Genes and Addictions
- National Institute of Health: The Genetic Basis of Addictive Disorders
- Spandidos Publications: Understanding the genetics and neurobiological pathways behind addiction (Review)
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): New NIH study reveals shared genetic markers underlying substance use disorders