The Role of Genetics in Substance Abuse

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Misconceptions about drugs can make anyone needing an occasional prescription wonder if addiction is genetic. The fear associated with the risk of addiction may trace back to the myths and mistaken beliefs that prevent an accurate understanding of genetics and substance abuse.

Long believed to happen only to morally weak people who lack willpower, addiction deserves a scientific clarification that changes erroneous impressions. Research proves that addiction occurs as a medical disorder that creates changes in the brain and affects behavior.

Understanding the Role Genetics Plays in Addiction

Scientists study twins and siblings to find a biological reason that addiction affects some people but not others. The research suggests that about half the risk of becoming addicted stems from genetic makeup.

Genes influence variations that create your height and hair color as well as your risk of or resistance to significant health issues like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Not surprisingly, genes affect addiction as well. Efforts to find prevention methods and new treatments for addiction lead scientists to study family DNA data to determine the genetics of addiction and whether addiction is genetic.

Finding a Genetic Predisposition to Addiction

While science identifies genes that relate specifically to addiction, research shows that a genetic connection does exist. Your family tree provides the genes that make you a unique individual, including the dopamine levels in your brain. It serves as a neurotransmitter that can lessen impulse control. Addictive behavior can result from a genetic predisposition toward addiction. An elevated level of dopamine can act like an addiction gene.

Testing genetics to Identify Addiction Risk Factors

The highly complex puzzle of identifying why some people become addicted, and others do not, lead scientists to develop genetic tests. US News reports that testing can identify certain genes that may predict the risk for addiction that some people face. Doctors can learn how patients react to medications from the lab analysis of a mouth swab and the dangers of dependency.

Genetic testing may help direct treatment decisions, but the imprecision and newness of the science make it only one piece of an enigma that no one fully understands. While it provides previously unavailable insights, it cannot replace a physical assessment by an addiction professional.

Identifying Specific Traits Susceptible to Addiction

While experts disagree about whether an addictive personality exists, some contend that experiencing an early injury or shock may create a disposition to addiction. Some traits that exist among people susceptible to addiction include these:

  • adverse childhood events
  • early injury or shock
  • PTSD
  • risk-taking
  • impulsiveness
  • genetics
  • epigenetics

Science does not support the concept that a specific personality type is more likely to become addicted. However, the search for an addiction gene continues.

Understanding Genetics and Addiction for Better Decision-making

The results from a University of Utah study confirm that genes that cause biological differences provide a start to improving treatment. Addiction genetics allow science to discover addiction-related genes and further the development of drugs that help restore proper brain function. Each discovery provides a new target that genetic testing identifies. Research into addiction and genetics helps reveal the potential for treatment.

Finding Treatment for Genetic Predisposition to Addiction

Anyone with a family history of addiction may wonder if it is hereditary and what to do about it. The study of addiction and genetics offers no easy solution to the complex problem of substance abuse disorder. However, addiction genetics indicates the likelihood of a shared experience within families. A path of avoidance may help relieve some of your concerns about becoming addicted.

  • Avoid situations that include access to addictive substances.
  • Seek advice from a doctor who understands your family’s history of substance use.
  • Discuss your concerns with an addiction therapist.

Making Lifestyle Changes to Reduce the Risk of Addiction

Psychologists recommend developing resilience that helps you adapt to challenging events that everyone faces eventually. It enables you to bounce back after experiencing change, stress, adversity, or trauma. Steps to learning how to become resilient include these:

  • Get involved in your community: You can enjoy a sense of identity when involved with others in your family, at work, in school, or through community projects.
  • Start a journal: It may surprise you how writing your thoughts and feelings can help you deal with everyday events.
  • Set goals you can reach: Accomplishing stepping stone goals lets you enjoy achieving something to reach bigger goals.
  • Give stress the respect it deserves: Everyone experiences stress, but it can become unhealthy if you ignore it. Instead, remember to take breaks, learn about mindfulness and ask for help when needed.

The Role of Genetics in Substance Abuse

Mar 8, 2019

Addiction Recovery

Shara Turner, LPC, MSC, NCC, NARM

Misconceptions about drugs can make anyone needing an occasional prescription wonder if addiction is genetic. The fear associated with the risk of addiction may trace back to the myths and mistaken beliefs that prevent an accurate understanding of genetics and substance abuse.

Long believed to happen only to morally weak people who lack willpower, addiction deserves a scientific clarification that changes erroneous impressions. Research proves that addiction occurs as a medical disorder that creates changes in the brain and affects behavior.

Understanding the Role Genetics Plays in Addiction

Scientists study twins and siblings to find a biological reason that addiction affects some people but not others. The research suggests that about half the risk of becoming addicted stems from genetic makeup.

Genes influence variations that create your height and hair color as well as your risk of or resistance to significant health issues like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Not surprisingly, genes affect addiction as well. Efforts to find prevention methods and new treatments for addiction lead scientists to study family DNA data to determine the genetics of addiction and whether addiction is genetic.

Finding a Genetic Predisposition to Addiction

While science identifies genes that relate specifically to addiction, research shows that a genetic connection does exist. Your family tree provides the genes that make you a unique individual, including the dopamine levels in your brain. It serves as a neurotransmitter that can lessen impulse control. Addictive behavior can result from a genetic predisposition toward addiction. An elevated level of dopamine can act like an addiction gene.

Testing genetics to Identify Addiction Risk Factors

The highly complex puzzle of identifying why some people become addicted, and others do not, lead scientists to develop genetic tests. US News reports that testing can identify certain genes that may predict the risk for addiction that some people face. Doctors can learn how patients react to medications from the lab analysis of a mouth swab and the dangers of dependency.

Genetic testing may help direct treatment decisions, but the imprecision and newness of the science make it only one piece of an enigma that no one fully understands. While it provides previously unavailable insights, it cannot replace a physical assessment by an addiction professional.

Identifying Specific Traits Susceptible to Addiction

While experts disagree about whether an addictive personality exists, some contend that experiencing an early injury or shock may create a disposition to addiction. Some traits that exist among people susceptible to addiction include these:

  • adverse childhood events

  • early injury or shock

  • PTSD

  • risk-taking

  • impulsiveness

  • genetics

  • epigenetics

Science does not support the concept that a specific personality type is more likely to become addicted. However, the search for an addiction gene continues.

Understanding Genetics and Addiction for Better Decision-making

The results from a University of Utah study confirm that genes that cause biological differences provide a start to improving treatment. Addiction genetics allow science to discover addiction-related genes and further the development of drugs that help restore proper brain function. Each discovery provides a new target that genetic testing identifies. Research into addiction and genetics helps reveal the potential for treatment.

Finding Treatment for Genetic Predisposition to Addiction

Anyone with a family history of addiction may wonder if it is hereditary and what to do about it. The study of addiction and genetics offers no easy solution to the complex problem of substance abuse disorder. However, addiction genetics indicates the likelihood of a shared experience within families. A path of avoidance may help relieve some of your concerns about becoming addicted.

  • Avoid situations that include access to addictive substances.

  • Seek advice from a doctor who understands your family’s history of substance use.

  • Discuss your concerns with an addiction therapist.

Making Lifestyle Changes to Reduce the Risk of Addiction

Psychologists recommend developing resilience that helps you adapt to challenging events that everyone faces eventually. It enables you to bounce back after experiencing change, stress, adversity, or trauma. Steps to learning how to become resilient include these:

  • Get involved in your community: You can enjoy a sense of identity when involved with others in your family, at work, in school, or through community projects.

  • Start a journal: It may surprise you how writing your thoughts and feelings can help you deal with everyday events.

  • Set goals you can reach: Accomplishing stepping stone goals lets you enjoy achieving something to reach bigger goals.

  • Give stress the respect it deserves: Everyone experiences stress, but it can become unhealthy if you ignore it. Instead, remember to take breaks, learn about mindfulness and ask for help when needed.

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