Substance use disorder is a serious condition that has a profound impact on the lives of 40 million Americans and their loved ones. There are several risk factors that make someone at higher risk for addiction, one of them being genetics. Do addictions run in families? Yes, indeed, genetics has been found to be correlated to drug and alcohol addiction.
How Do Addictions Develop?
Alcohol and drug exposure affects the brain’s reward system and causes a multi-pronged response in the brain:
- The effects of the substance on the brain (intoxication)
- The anticipation of and preoccupation with re-experiencing these effects
- The withdrawal phase where negative conditioning takes place
- Cravings
- Drug-seeking behavior returns
Long-term exposure to alcohol or drugs results in brain alterations, which lead to increased tolerance. This causes the individual to increase their consumption to achieve the desired effects. Addiction features a compulsion to continue using the substance, despite the adverse effects on the individual’s life.
Understanding Addiction and Genetics
During the teen years, substance use is influenced mostly by social and environmental factors, factors that decline in young and middle adulthood. In adulthood, genetics take over as the primary driver of substance use disorders.
The term “genetics” refers to the scientific biological research that is centered on the study of genes and heredity. This pertains to genes, which are segments of our DNA that are passed down from parents to children over the generations.
In studying the causal factors of addiction, science has confirmed a strong genetic component. In studies on twins, researchers have found that genetics play a moderate to high role in the development of addictions.
Genes that Run in Families Increase Risk of Addiction
Some major findings through mice studies demonstrate the role of genetics in substance use disorders. In one study, a protein called PSD-95 was determined to play a role in addiction, and also learning and memory. The mice that had low levels of PSD-95 had difficulty learning their way around a maze while also being more susceptible to cocaine.
Another study looked at a brain protein called DARPP-32, which has been found to be present in the connections between neurotransmitters as related to substance abuse. When this protein was removed from the brains of the test mice, they no longer responded to the substances. The more that is learned through genetics research, the closer we get to gaining breakthroughs that will help predict and better treat substance use disorders.
Although a single addiction gene has not yet been identified, there are several genes that have an outsized impact on someone becoming addicted. These are known as the DRD2, OPRM1, and CHRNA5 genes.
In addition to genetic markers for increased risk of addiction, another factor that is passed down in families is the way the brain processes dopamine. Among family members, there is a unique fixation on wanting to experience a dopamine hit or rush. This drives substance abuse, which can escalate to addiction.
What Other Factors Increase Risk of Addiction?
Genetics isn’t the only driver of substance use disorder. Other risk factors that may predict future substance use disorder include:
- Environmental. Certain environmental factors can increase the risk of acquiring a substance use disorder. These include poverty, physical or sexual abuse, neglect, divorce, death of a parent, domestic violence, negative parenting, or permissive parents.
- Age of exposure. Several studies have shown that the earlier a child experiments with substances, the higher their risk of addiction is. Studies report that experimenting with drugs or alcohol before age fifteen is highly predictive of adult addiction.
- Personality traits. Some personality traits lend themselves to substance abuse. These include those with an impulsive, risk-seeking personality, and those with poorly developed coping skills or low resilience levels. These traits are associated with emotional instability.
- Mental health. Those who battle mental health disorders may use alcohol or drugs to self-medicate, or numb the symptoms. Others use substances to mediate chronic stress or who struggle to sleep due to anxiety.
5 Tips If Addictions Run in Your Family
Although genetics does factor into the risk of developing addiction, it does not equate to destiny. If your family history includes of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction, there are steps you can take. Avoiding addiction requires diligence and ongoing awareness, but you can avoid falling into these behaviors.
Do addictions run in families? Yes they do, so how can you avoid falling into the pattern of generational addiction? Here are some helpful measures that can help you chose a different path:
- Avoid substances. The most obvious step, to avoid alcohol and drugs, isn’t always the easiest. It’s a fact that our culture combines alcohol use with celebrations and social events; avoiding alcohol will takes a concerted effort. But avoidance of drugs and alcohol is the best way to assure you don’t fall prey to familial addiction patterns.
- Stress management. Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can impair dopamine production. This sets the stage for an increased risk of using a substance to relieve stress and other negative emotions. To avoid this, create a stress management routine that cultivates relaxation, like taking yoga, practicing meditation, and getting daily exercise.
- Support groups. Connection and social support are essential for staving off substance use. Find a local support group, such as Al-Anon or Nar-Anon, where families of addicts are able to connect.
- Psychotherapy. Chances are that if you come from a dysfunctional family where there is addiction and instability, you will benefit from the support of a therapist. Therapy provides ongoing guidance to help you navigate life events that may trigger knee-jerk substance seeking behaviors.
- Discuss with doctor. It is a good idea to share your family history of addiction with your primary care provider. This is valuable information, as it allows the physician to avoid prescribing any addictive narcotics.
When to Seek Help for Addiction
If you have developed a substance use disorder, with or without a family history of addiction, you will need inpatient support. Professional addiction treatment centers offer the expertise and guidance to help you achieve sobriety and the tools to sustain it. Rehab includes:
- Detox and withdrawal
- Psychotherapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Education
- Holistic therapy
- Wellness activities
Now that you have the answer to your question, “Do addictions run in families?” you are informed and ready for treatment. Do not hesitate to reach out for help today.
Pacific Bay Recovery Offers Residential Inpatient Addiction Treatment
Pacific Bay Recovery offers a safe, supportive community in an inpatient setting. If you have generational addiction in your family history, you will benefit from the high level of treatment offered. Call us today at (619) 350-8220.
