If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, it may feel as if you had no say in the matter. Unfortunately, this is a familiar feeling for many, as 1 in 7 Americans report having some type of substance use disorder (SUD).
So, what gives addiction its power over us, how does it make us feel so helpless, and is addiction genetic or environmental? Let’s talk about that.
Before we discuss the factors at play, let’s first describe what addiction is and is not. SUD is a condition of being dependent on a substance, thing, or activity. Your brain chemistry may depend on this practice to function properly. This includes drugs and alcohol, as well as behaviors such as sex, porn, video games, and more.
Consequently, this is an important distinction from other illnesses, as it requires an externality or behavior. As a result, this makes classifying its causes slightly different from other conditions such as depression, which does not require any external factors to form.
Now that we’ve made this important distinction, let’s talk about how genetic and environmental factors come into play.
There’s no doubt that genetics plays a role in forming an addiction, but maybe not in the way that you think. Scientists estimate that genes account for 40% to 60% of a person’s predisposition for addiction. However, this isn’t as “cut and dry” as it seems.
First, there is no “addiction gene” that we’re aware of or targeting in any way. Instead, it comes down to a “lottery” of the genetic factors at play, and there is no way to precisely measure this.
As a result, two people with long family histories of addiction can easily have a child who never wants to touch any harmful substances. Conversely, two people who don’t enjoy using substances may have a child who struggles with addiction. At most, these genetic factors are risks, not measures.
Second, we know little about the genetics that put someone at risk. However, someone with a genetic risk for these conditions may be more predisposed. These include genes that predispose a person to certain mental illnesses, sex, certain health conditions, and more.
Moreover, there is also a protein researchers are studying, known as PSD-95, that has a relationship with drug addiction, memory, and learning capabilities. Still, more research is required.
You may think that there are too many familial patterns for genetics to not play a substantial role in addiction, and you would be right. However, you also have to consider that families share many environmental factors, especially immediate or close relatives. Even cousins will likely share similar parenting styles, school systems, exposure levels, and more.
Of course, these aren’t the only factors to consider. Some of the most important include:
The list goes on. We know that families don’t always have the same experiences, but it is important to note that similarities in families are most notable during childhood. These are the most formative years of a person’s life.
Also, these experiences don’t have to be negative. Someone growing up in a happy environment can still fall into addictive behaviors from social pressure, parties, and other factors. While mental illness or trauma is widely associated with self-medication and addiction, many other environmental factors can expose someone to substance abuse.
Overall, addiction stems from a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. The extent of each factor is highly individualistic, meaning we can’t make blanket statements about the cause of addiction.
However, we can say that people with a genetic history of addiction or a personal history of trauma are more predisposed to addiction. As we mentioned, genetic factors likely account for 40% to 60% of risk factors. Therefore, you can consider genetic and environmental factors roughly even.
To clarify, this does not mean that certain genes or experiences guarantee someone will become addicted to a substance. Rather, these factors can lay the groundwork, while behaviors will cause addictions to form. A person still has to start using and abusing a substance for the addiction to form.
Fortunately, no matter which factors caused your addiction, treatment is still the same. Remember that the longer an addiction persists, the more dangerous it becomes. Look at your treatment options today!
So, is addiction genetic or environmental? It isn’t easy to say.
Still, now that you know the factors at play in addiction, you can get the help you need and get your life back on track. Considering genetics is a factor, talk to any struggling family members about treatment as well.
Keep reading our blog for our latest recovery tips, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions!