Is Drug and AlcoholAddiction Hereditary?

by Amy Rothermel

Many people who have suffered from addiction will likely question whether drug and alcohol addiction are hereditary. An understandable concern for anyone interested in ending addiction.

Scientists have done a lot of research on addiction and genetics. Read on to learn about the results they have found.

Family History of Drug andAlcohol Addiction

There is a strong relationship between a family history of drug and alcohol abuse and addiction.

Researchers found that if a child has a parent with a drug or alcohol addiction, they are 8 times more likely to develop an addiction than those without a parent suffering from addiction.

Still, that does not answer the question of whether or not addiction is hereditary.

Addiction risk comes from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

To answer the hereditary question, scientists had to dig further into genetic research.

Is There an Addiction Gene?

After completing numerous studies, scientists found a number of different genes that can affect risk for addiction.

Likewise, some genes can even reduce your risk for addiction.

Here are a few examples:

• People addicted to alcohol or cocaine are more likely to have the A1 allele on their dopamine receptor.

• Genes related to psychological disorders such as externalizing psychopathology increase the risk of drug and alcohol addiction.

• Alcoholism is rare in people who have two copies of the ALDH*2 gene.

• A protective allele on the CYP2AG gene is more common in non-smokers.

These are just a few of the many links scientists have found that suggest drug and alcohol addiction is hereditary.

More factors are being identified all the time.

Because of the research, it is believed that about 50% of your risk for addiction is due to genetic factors, and 50% is due to your environment and ability to cope.

The Role of Genetics in Treatment

Having a good understanding of how genetics can affect the risk for addiction can be very valuable when considering the best treatment options.

Treatment needs are different for different people, and knowing what genetic factors are involved can help doctors develop targeted treatments.

Research has already started on a gene that responds well to a particular drug treatment.

Though scientists just recently began studying therapeutic medicines that can modify genes, they believe that this technology may help those suffering from addiction to get better faster.

Addiction is Not Inevitable

Because of the strong link between addiction and genetics, people with a family history may think they will also become addicts.

Having addiction genes does not necessarily mean you will become an addict.

Genetics can increase your risk, but your environment is also a huge factor.

The good news:

Your environment is something that you can change to suit your needs.

If you think drug or alcohol addictionmight be hereditary in your family, then take proper precautions in your lifestyle to reduce your chances of becoming addicted.

Make healthy lifestyle choices and tell your family about your concerns.

Tell them you want to live a drug-free lifestyle.

If you are interested in learning about other ways that you can reduce the risk of drug and alcohol addiction in your lifestyle choices, reach out to us today.

1018 E. Oakhill DriveAlpine, Utah 84004

877.415.4060info@alpinerecoverylodge.comwww.alpinerecoverylodge.com