Many people, especially those with a family history of addiction, have questions like “Is addiction genetic? “, or “Am I at risk for addiction if it runs in my family?”.
While genetics can play a significant role in addiction, some people are more predisposed to addiction than others. While your genes and environment do contribute to addictive tendencies, genetics is just one of many factors underpinning substance use disorder, the clinical term for addiction.
Read on to learn more about the addiction gene and find out how to connect with compassionate and evidence-based care.
Hereditary vs. Genetic Addiction
Genetics is the scientific study of genes and heredity. Genes are segments of DNA inherited from parents that determine specific traits and are located on chromosomes. Humans have about about 20,000 genes organized on 46 chromosomes, split into 23 pairs. Each person inherits one chromosome per pair from each parent randomly. Most people share about 50% of their genes with direct relatives like parents, siblings, and children.
Heredity is the process by which traits are passed from parents to children through genetic information in the DNA sequence. This transmission can influence traits such as height and eye color. While heredity can determine certain traits, not all traits are purely genetic—the environment also influences the expression of genes.
Having a family history of addiction, then, does not mean that someone will develop an addiction themselves. Genetic predisposition accounts for about half of the risk, with environmental influences, social influences, and repeated drug exposure making up the other half.
Is There an Addictive Gene?
Research into the genetic basis of addiction is expansive and ongoing, identifying not just a single addiction gene, but many different genes that contribute to substance-specific dependencies and overall susceptibility to substance use disorder. These include:
Metabolic genes: ADH1B (alcohol dehydrogenase 1B) and ALDH2 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 2) are genes that govern alcohol metabolism. Variations in these genes can cause adverse reactions to alcohol which may deter alcohol use and act as a protective barrier against alcoholism.
Genes linked to alcohol use disorder: The GABRA2 and CHRM2 genes are associated with the risk of developing early-onset alcoholism.
Stress resilience genes: Genes like MAOA, SLC6A4, and COMT are associated with stress resilience. Individual variations in these genes can influence how a person responds to stress, potentially affecting their risk for addiction when combined with environmental factors.
Genes linked to marijuana use disorder: CHRNA2 has been studied for its role in marijuana use disorder, with lower expression levels linked to increased risk.
Gene linked to cocaine addiction: HIST1H2BD was pinpointed in research as relevant to cocaine dependence.
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Is Addiction a Disease or a Choice?
One of the ongoing debates in understanding addiction is whether it is fundamentally a disease or a choice.
While it’s true that the initial decision to use a substance is usually made freely, what happens afterward is often beyond a person’s control. Addiction is widely recognized as a chronic disease, similar to diabetes or heart disease. Substance abuse alters the structure and function of the brain, especially in areas related to pleasure and reward. This means that addiction is defined as compulsive substance use regardless of negative outcomes.
The view of addiction purely as a choice overlooks the nuanced and involuntary nature of these brain changes. After the initial use, the process of becoming addicted involves deep neurological transformations that dramatically reduce a person’s control over their actions. The compulsive nature of addiction is driven by these changes, leading to behaviors that persist despite harmful consequences.
Treatment for Addressing Genetics and Addiction
Understanding the genetic factors that contribute to addiction can significantly enhance treatment outcomes. Tailored treatment plans that consider a person’s genetic predisposition alongside other factors can help people to achieve and maintain long-term abstinence from drugs or alcohol. Treatments may include:
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Medications: Medications that are specifically chosen based on your genetic makeup to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.
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Behavioral interventions: Strategies to help modify behavior and manage impulses are often designed considering the genetic aspects of addiction.
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Preventive measures: Proactive actions, especially for those at high genetic risk, can prevent the development of addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and you suspect a genetic component, don’t hesitate to seek help.
Call our friendly recovery specialists today at 844-576-0144 to get treatment tailored to your unique genetic profile and start your journey toward recovery.
Is Addiction Hereditary? FAQS
Is substance abuse hereditary?
Yes, substance abuse can have a hereditary component. Studies show that genetics can account for about 40% to 60% of a person’s susceptibility to addiction. This means that if you have family members who have struggled with addiction, you may be at a higher risk
Is there an addictive gene?
There is no single addictive gene responsible for addiction. Rather, multiple genetic factors may influence a person’s likelihood of developing an addiction. These genes may affect how someone responds to stress, impulsive behavior, or the rewarding effects of addictive substances.
What should I do if I have a predisposition to addiction?
If you know that you have a genetic predisposition to addiction, focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seek support if required. Engaging with counseling or peer support groups can help manage the risk of addiction.
Get Addiction Treatment & Family Therapy at Gratitude Lodge
At Gratitude Lodge, we can help you achieve and maintain abstinence regardless of the role of genetics in the development of alcohol addiction or drug addiction.
Begin your recovery with supervised detoxification to streamline the withdrawal process and help you tackle the issue of physical drug or alcohol dependence. Access medications and continuous care before moving into ongoing inpatient treatment at one of our rehabs in Long Beach or Newport Beach, California.
All Gratitude Lodge addiction treatment programs offer personalized treatments that include:
- Family therapy
- MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
- Psychotherapy
- Motivational therapy
- Group therapy
- Holistic therapy
- One-to-one counseling
- Aftercare planning
For immediate assistance tackling addiction, call Gratitude Lodge at 844-576-0144.
