Although everyone understands what addiction is, it can be difficult to pinpoint the source of the sickness. Is it brought on by stress? Is it a genetic disorder with profound roots? Is it possible for substance misuse to strike out of the blue?
The Fundamentals of Addiction
Addiction is a chronic brain condition that requires a lot of strength and willpower to overcome. Because this condition affects the brain’s reward system, illicit substances such as cocaine or alcohol will hyper-activate the mind’s many reward centers.
Can Addiction Be Influenced by Genetics?
About 50-75 percent of the causes of substance abuse and addiction are hereditary and genetic. People with particular genes or hereditary effects are more inclined to engage in addictive behaviors.
Here are some examples of inherited and genetic factors that influence addiction:
- Addicts are more prone to develop if their amygdala is smaller.
- Certain genes are linked to substance misuse. People who lack the serotonin receptor gene, for example, are more likely to develop an addiction to alcohol or cocaine.
- People with addicted parents or grandparents are more likely to develop addictive tendencies.
- People who have numerous addiction-related genes are more prone to get addicted to drugs.
While there are many inherited causes for addiction, there are also several environmental elements that can lead to abuse.
Addiction and Environmental Factors
Those who are exposed to tragedy or addiction at a young age are more prone to have drug misuse problems later in life. Being brought up in a household with drug users, suffering from a mental illness, losing a job, and stress-related triggers are all examples of environmental factors that can contribute to addiction. Substance addiction problems are influenced by both environmental and inherited variables in the end. Hereditary influences, on the other hand, are more likely to lead to addiction.
How Can I Prevent Addiction from Running in My Family?
A family history of substance abuse makes someone more likely to develop an addiction due to hereditary factors. Even if you are genetically inclined to addiction, there are techniques to avoid or prevent it.
- To begin, you must be aware of your addictive tendencies. You’ll be better able to detect addictive behaviors in yourself if you understand the origins and indicators of substance misuse. Determine all of your potential triggers and do your best to avoid them.
- Staying on top of your mental health, practicing self-care, and staying physically active are all other methods to avoid addiction.
Abuse & Addiction Treatment
Addiction, on the other hand, is not always preventable. However, whether addiction develops due to inherited factors or otherwise, there are solutions to overcome it. Detoxing, which should be done by a professional in a medical center or rehabilitation facility, is usually the first step toward recovery. After detox, addicts can continue their recovery through inpatient/outpatient treatment, one-on-one or family therapy, and support groups.
Talk to the Best Drug Abuse Experts at Skyward Treatment
At Skyward Treatment, our drug abuse experts are waiting to help you or your loved one learn more about addiction and its hereditary implications. Contact our online team for more information.
