Nature vs. Nurture: Is the Disease of Addiction Genetic?

Addiction is as complex as it is indiscriminate. Nobody ever intends to become an addict. With the high rates of addiction in the United States, it can happen to anyone.

Almost all people been affected by alcoholism or drug addiction in some way. Because of the genetic factors of addiction, having a family member who is addicted may make it more likely for one to develop an addiction.¹ However, is the tendency for addiction to develop more frequent in families due to genetics, or is this the result of prolonged exposure to substance abuse?

The Family Disease

Addiction has been frequently referred to as the “family disease” due to the way that an individual’s addiction profoundly affects his or her family.² However, it’s doubly appropriate because addiction seems to actually run in families. Studies have shown that the children of alcoholics are four times more likely to develop a substance use disorder themselves compared to the children of non-alcoholic parents.³ In addition to being more likely to become addicted, the children of alcoholics also tend to suffer from other effects, including poor self-esteem,lower academic performance and sometimes even abuse and neglect from their parents.

Is Addiction a Genetic Disease?

Over the years, as addiction research has continued to grow, one of the most frequent answers that researchers have hoped to find is whether addiction is genetically inherited or whether it’s a learned behavior. In other words, is addiction fostered by nature or nurture? According to the evidence, genetics can account for 40-60 percent of addiction causes.⁴ When one or more parents suffer from a substance abuse problem, their children are significantly more likely to develop substance abuse problems as well. Similarly, adolescents and teens who begin abusing alcohol or drugs are likely to have a parent who suffers from a substance abuse problem.

There are ongoing studies to continue exploring the role of genetics, environment and the combination of the two — epigenetics — in addiction. Although it is apparent that there is a familiar connection, more work must be done to better understand it.¹

Tendency Doesn’t Determine Destiny

Although it’s true that 40 to 60 percent of an individual’s development of alcoholism or drug addiction can be linked to genetic factors, there’s still a lot that remains associated with one’s coping skills and a variety of environmental factors. In other words, even if you experience genetic and environmental factors that give you a tendency toward addiction, this does not mean that you will become addicted.

No matter your genetic history or upbringing, all people can learn a variety of healthy, constructive coping strategies that will make it significantly less likely for them to develop an addiction. Being proactive in this also empowers them to teach the same to their children, breaking the cycle of family addiction issues.

Prevention is important, but so is having access to treatment. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, please callus at our 24 hour, toll-free helpline as soon as possible to begin the healing journey. We can provide information about our various program offerings and treatment modalities and discuss getting you or your loved one on the path to a life of lasting health, happiness and sobriety. Please call now.

Sources

• ¹ “Drug Facts: Genetics and Epigenetics of Addiction.” National Institute on Drug Abuse. February 2016.
• ² “Family Disease.” National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence. 24 February 2016.
• ³ Sack, David, “Does Addiction Run in Your Family? How to Talk to Your Kids About Their Risk.” PsychCentral. 14 May 2013.
• ⁴ “Drug Abuse and Addiction.” National Institute on Drug Abuse. July 2014.