Is Addiction Passed Down in Families?

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It has long been acknowledged that genes and the environment play a crucial role in the development of addiction. While the initial use of drugs or alcohol may be an individual’s choice influenced by peers, society, emotions, or the environment, family history continues to be the most reliable indicator of risk for future alcohol and drug problems.

Research shows that children who have a parent with a history of a substance abuse disorder (SUD) are 50 to 60% more likely to develop one at some point in their lives. However, genetic vulnerabilities, although significant, are only a fraction of the ways addiction can be passed down in families. Given the right set of exposures and environmental influences, this disease can evolve through multiple paths.

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Genetic Influences

Addiction may be passed down in families in certain ways, but it is not always passed on.

Genes are part of the DNA chemistry inherited from the parents, with 99% of our genes being the same and the other 1% making up all the differences. Certain genes may be active in one person and inactive in another. The effects of those genes at the cellular, molecular, and functional levels in the body make each person unique while also predisposing them to certain traits, including the risks of developing a physical, psychological, or emotional disorder.

Although genetic influences increase the risks of developing an addiction, environmental exposures interact to contribute to the disease risks. The inherited components can certainly be magnified over time as the genes are “expressed” or modified throughout the course of life experiences.

Environmental Exposures

Environmental influences, including drug exposure, can alter gene expression and function. This influences how a person responds to his or her environment, and puts some individuals at higher risk of addiction than others.

To understand the genetic-environmental interactions that contribute to addiction passed down in families, the Institute of Medicine (US) describes genes as a way of determining an individual’s “potential response to drugs of abuse, whereas environmental factors shape that genetic potential.” With a lot of information at their fingertips to find and use drugs and the learned behaviors they experience, it isn’t so hard to imagine why addictions are beginning at earlier ages.

Addictions and Mental Health Disparities in the Family

Addiction is a type of mental health disorder that is not independent of mental health problems, with both conditions being affected by or causing the other. Anxiety, depression, insomnia, concentration losses, aggression or short temper, loss of interest and ability to feel joy, decreased motivation, and suicidal ideations are some of the common symptoms these individuals present. These conditions make it difficult for addicts and those suffering from mental health disorders to maintain healthy relationships, care for their children, work, go to school, or function with normalcy in society.

In families, the closely bonded ties to one another mean that a problem with one family member affects all the others. Addicts may think that it is their problem to deal with alone and tend to disregard any harm they cause to themselves or others. This is the nature of addiction – uncontrollable use despite the negative consequences. Regardless of which problem comes first, the likelihood that other adverse conditions will soon follow can be influenced by any number of protective and risk factors.

For a child who is poor, hungry, tired, lonely, scared, and stressed out due to drug activities and adverse behaviors or negative emotions in the home, hope may be scarce. They may have difficulties completing their schoolwork or develop a severe emotional or behavioral disorder that isolates them in their social activities. Using drugs may become a way to pass the time and avoid the negativity that surrounds them, but equally important are the learned behaviors they use to deal with stress and other situations.

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6 Factors That Increase the Risk for Drug Addiction

If you or someone you love is at high risk for drug addiction, take the necessary precautions to avoid this issue and seek treatment help when needed.

Risk and Protective Factors

Beyond the risks of exposure to drugs or stress in the family, many factors can lead to or deter addiction passed down in families. Keeping a close eye on children, setting boundaries and rules, being a good role model, staying involved, and expressing love and affection can help enhance the protective factors, but research shows that even under all of these conditions, a child is at risk from many external factors.

Signs of aggression in early ages may be signs of an underlying emotional disturbance or may only become apparent when the child goes to school and interacts with other children of various dispositions. If inappropriate behaviors are not addressed early, the child is at risk of developing more negative behaviors, such as social difficulties or poor academic performance.

Poor social or academic skills combined with the need to feel accepted, to experiment out of sheer curiosity, and/or the ever-increasing access to drugs is a recipe for disaster when inherited genes are thrown into the mix.

Browse our website to learn more about addiction and recovery resources. You can also check out our online directory to find local Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings to support yourself or a loved one.

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