Is drug addiction hereditary? Here’s a simple answer: Yes, in many instances it can be. Although there’s no official ‘drug addiction gene’, many genetic factors contribute to alcohol dependency and other addictions as counts as hereditary.
However, alcoholism is a complicated disease; it can affect both the individual and their loved ones. There are also many environmental factors—including economic, social, and cultural background—which determine someone’s likelihood of drug addiction.
In this article, we’ll determine whether drug addiction runs in the family:

 

What Role Does Genetics Play in Addiction?

Genetics are responsible for the way our brain transmits chemicals around the brain and body. As a result, genetics can play a role in addiction. However, although there is debate surrounding whether humans have an addictive gene—studies have shown genetics do play a role in overall addiction. 

In addition, suffering from mental health symptoms dramatically boosts your chances of addiction. The National Institute of Mental Health suggests individuals who experience mental health issues—including anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, bipolar, personality disorders, PTSD, and schizophrenia—typically suffer from a substance use disorder. 

Unfortunately, mental health symptoms are often genetic. Certain mental disorders, including ADHD, bipolar, and major depression are linked to genetics. However, research on mental health genetics and its link to addiction is still ongoing.

So what other factors influence drug addiction? Here are some examples:

 

Gender and Addiction

Gender may play a major role in developing an addiction. For example, women are more likely to become addicted to prescription medications, but men are more likely to develop illicit drug addictions.

The reasons behind this include how different genders interact with certain drugs differently. For instance, women have a stronger response to morphine, but men have a stronger response to the side effects of cocaine.

 

Environmental Factors

Although genetics may play a significant role in drug addiction, environmental factors also play a crucial role.
In addition, people who grew up in violent families with prevalent addiction issues are more likely to develop addictions in later life, which indicates addiction is hereditary. In early life, people build strategies to cope with stress, but these behaviors can be self-destructive—especially if they build these to protect themselves from traumatic experiences.
Another significant cause of addiction is peer and friendship groups. When someone socializes with an individual or group that heavily relies on drugs, they’re more likely to use drugs and become addicted. Sadly it’s very challenging for people to stay away from drugs when people around them are using drugs.
A major cause of drug addiction is culture and religion. Many cultural and religious-based triggers may lead to addiction, including early experiences related to shame, religious beliefs in cultures, and the local geographic area. Some cultures are happy with men drinking, but they have different outlooks toward females drinking, leading to different alcohol dependency between genders.
The physical environment is also a key environmental factor that causes drug addiction. For example, someone who regularly attends the pub after work has a higher chance of addiction. When someone repeats these behaviors in a physical environment, they can become learned habits that are hard to break.
What’s more, someone’s socioeconomic background plays an integral role in possible drug addiction. People are more likely to have drug addiction issues if they’re from a poorer economic background. That’s often because they surround themselves with people more likely to consume drugs.

 

The Best Ways To Overcome Drug Addiction and Hereditary Effects

  • Treatment centers – Regardless of genetics, treatment centers are excellent places to overcome drug addiction. They can assess your addiction and find the best plan of action to improve your life.
  • Behavioral therapy – Finding the root causes of drug addictions and the self-destructive behaviors they create is essential. Behavioral therapy is the best way to achieve this.
  • Peer support – Peer support is an excellent way to overcome the addiction that may come from hereditary. Many people suffer from addiction issues and nobody is alone. Peer support ensures people receive support from people who truly understand.

 

Start Beating Drug Addiction

It’s never too late to beat drug addiction. Although genetics can play a role in addiction, they won’t stop people’s ability to become sober.

At StillDetox, we have treatment programs for any addiction. Our team of expert staff can assess any behavioral issues and change the lives of anyone struggling with addiction.