A common myth about addiction is that it is merely a lack of willpower. However, this is not true as many possible causes can lead to addiction. One such cause is a genetic predisposition, which can put a person at higher risk of developing addiction. It should be noted that genetics do not 100% mean a person will develop addiction, only that it places them at higher risk.
There have been various research studies done to understand the ins and outs of addiction and genetics. These first began at Harvard University when scientists used identical and fraternal twins to see how addiction travels between generations. Eight thousand male twins were studied, including 1,774 identical twins and 1,498 fraternal twins. This study found that ten percent of the population developed an addiction to one or more illicit substances. When this occurred in sets of identical twins, it suggested a stronger genetic component of addiction.
Scientists have started using the family member DNA of those who have addictions to compare to family members that do not. By doing this, they can look for different variations in the genes that may cause addiction. So far, they have noticed that those without the serotonin receptor gene Htr1b are at greater risk of becoming addicted to cocaine or alcohol. If multiple “addiction genes” appear in a person, they are more likely to develop addiction later in life.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH), addiction is a brain disease that causes “functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control.” Because it affects the brain so significantly, it is essential to understand who is at risk due to certain biological factors. This way, individuals at risk can take proper action to avoid environmental stressors that may lead them to addictive behaviors.
Common factors biological risk factors that can contribute to potential addiction include:
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has stated that men are more likely to become dependent on illicit substances than women. However, they also reported that women are more likely to have cravings and relapse.
Every individual has a unique personality that they have when born and then develops over time. There are specific personality types that have been found to co-exist with addiction. These include non-conformity, impulsive tendencies, and a disability involving metabolic, psychological, or physiological processes.
The NIH has also stated that a person’s addiction risk is 40-60% higher, represented by genetic and environmental stressors. This means that if a person has specific genes or gene mutations for addiction, they are more at risk. If they are exposed to specific environmental stressors, then this risk increases.
While mental illnesses are not always hereditary, five are. These include autism, depression, ADHD, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. If a mental illness is left untreated, it could potentially lead to substance use or addiction; this means that a hereditary cause can play a role in addiction development.
Addiction is far more complicated than being a lack of willpower. It is a chronic disease that can wreak havoc on a person’s life without proper care and treatment. Like other diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia, addiction can potentially be caused by a mutation in a person’s genes. This causes the person to be at higher risk of developing addiction, but it does not necessarily mean they will develop it.
While genetics can significantly increase your risk of developing an addiction, it is essential to recognize the environmental factors that may also play a role. Your environment plays a significant role in addiction development, which includes your home life, peer group, community, family values, attitudes, and more. If you are surrounded by specific negative influences or stressors consistently, it can place you more at risk of addiction. This risk increases if you already have a genetic predisposition.
Common environmental risk factors for addiction include:
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) also play a role in developing addiction. ACEs are potentially traumatic events in childhood, including abuse or violence. Aspects of the child’s environment can undermine their sense of safety, stability, and bonding, such as growing up in a household with substance misuse. ACEs are linked to substance misuse in adulthood.
Due to the stigma surrounding addiction, many people believe that it stems from a lack of willpower. However, many factors can cause a person to develop addiction. One of the main factors that can influence addiction development is genetics. Studies have shown that those that possess specific “addiction genes” are at a higher risk of developing an addiction. However, this does not mean that an individual will engage in addictive behaviors. Environmental factors can also increase someone’s risk. If you or someone you know is predisposed to addiction, it is crucial to reach out for help early on. You can find such help at facilities such as Northstar Transitions. Our team specializes in individualized, evidence-based clinical care that sets our clients up for long-term sobriety. We serve a varied client base that includes working professionals, business owners, college students, full-time parents, and those managing co-occurring disorders. We also provide education on the causes of addiction, such as genetics and environmental factors. Call us today to start your journey to healing at (303) 558-6400.
