Genetics and Addiction

08/10/2019

Genetics and Addiction

While there is a strong connection between genetics and addiction, genetics alone does not lead to addiction. There are other factors. Although children of addicts are more likely to develop an addiction, not all children do. They may become an addict due to environment, stress, or because they enjoy drinking or taking drugs. The most important thing to remember is that you can beat addiction. Regardless of whether you are addicted to a substance because your parents were or because of your environment, you can get substance use disorder treatment in Mahanoy City PA. Let’s dive in a bit more to learn about addiction and genetics, and how they both play a role.

A Genetic Predisposition to Pleasure

Part of your genetic makeup includes a predisposition to pleasure which your brain responds to by releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter. Therefore, the potential for addiction is already hardwired into our brains. The question is how your brain reacts whenever a substance causes it to release dopamine. Another thing to consider is how you react whenever your brain craves that dopamine. Even if you are hardwired for addiction, you also have the ability to overcome the craving.

Family History

Does your family have a history of addiction? If so, you may have been conditioned to growing up around drug or alcohol abuse. While this may not be genetic, it definitely has a psychological impact that can affect how you handle drugs or alcohol as you get older. Consider some of the family factors, including:

Violence as a result of drug or alcohol use
One or more parents who could not hold down a job
Divorce in the family due to alcoholism
Alcohol always present in the house with regular binges
Ongoing run-ins with the law

Was alcohol a regular part of your family life? What about your extended family – uncles, grandparents, cousins, in-laws?

Is Addiction a Disease?

Whether addiction is a disease is still being debated. What is important to remember is that, regardless of your genetics, your upbringing, or whether it is a disease is that you can overcome all of these barriers to recovery by getting the right treatment. Substance abuse disorder treatment includes a wide range of options, such as:

Once you find the right treatment, you begin your path to recovery. No matter what led you to addiction, there is always a way out with the help of a professional who cares about your recovery.

Learn About Genetics and Addiction

Are you currently suffering from alcohol addiction? We can help. Silver Pines Treatment Center can help you understand the connection between genetics and addiction, as well as other factors that have led to your substance. Call us today at 267.209.7313, and let us help you get your treatment started.