Is Addiction Hereditary? Causes of Addiction Revealed
Clinical Review by:
Published:
Nov 15, 2024
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01:26 p.m.
ET
What came first, the chicken or the egg? Is it nature or nurture? These age-old questions relate to many of life’s questions, specifically the origins of addiction. For years, professionals have spent countless hours conducting research to find out the causes of different addictions, which would lead to a better understanding of how to prevent and treat them.
Recent findings by the NIH have brought to light just how significant of a role genetics play in the predisposition of developing an addiction.
Can family history cause addiction? Hereditary or not?
The question has long been asked on whether or not the cause of addiction is genetic or environmental. While there are external factors that may contribute to someone developing addictive behaviors, recent studies have examined the important part family history plays in addiction.
The National Institute on Health (NIH) recently published findings from a study that revealed there are underlying genetic markers across common addictions. The research reviewed the genetic data of over 1 million people and found specific genes that were inherited in addiction disorders, regardless of what the addiction was. The genes that were linked to addictive behaviors were also those associated with the regulation of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that has been directly linked to the cycle of addiction.
Epigenetics is a term used to describe how someone's genes, when impacted by their environment, can lead to certain behaviors. In the case of addiction, there is a high correlation between a negative environment or life experience and the likelihood of developing an addiction. A study conducted in twins found that although they were born with the same genetic make-up and predisposition for addictive behaviors, environment played a large role in whether or not they would have an addiction later in life.
This type of knowledge can help shape the way that addiction is treated by understanding what type of person may be predisposed to addiction, versus those who are at a lower risk. Preventative services and education based on these findings can help individuals make more informed decisions about what behaviors or substances they choose to engage in, depending on their likelihood of becoming addicted. Treatment options can also be more individually tailored to someone based on their genetic predisposition, environment and life circumstances, which may improve positive outcomes in addiction treatment.
What are the main causes of addiction? Do they vary by type of addiction?
A common misconception is that addiction is a choice rather than a complex issue that is rooted in genetic and environmental factors. While there is no singular cause of addiction, certain indicators may raise the risk of someone developing an addiction in their lifetime.
When someone engages in addictive behaviors, their brain changes as a result and the longer someone has an addiction, the harder it is to get the brain back to its previous form. There can be various reasons why someone develops an addiction and the type of addiction someone forms may depend on individual circumstances.
Common threads found in those with addiction may include:
Genetic predisposition
Biological factors
Brain chemistry
Childhood abuse or trauma
Mental health
Societal influence
Family support
Early exposure
Stress
Type of substances
Lack of support or access to treatment
Is Gambling Addiction specifically hereditary?
There are multiple reasons why someone may become addicted to gambling. Factors that impact the development of gambling addiction may include:
Genetic markers for addiction
Societal pressures
Stress
Gambling history in one’s family
Adverse medication reaction that causes impulsivity
Studies have also found that early exposure to gambling may increase someone’s predisposition to gambling addiction.
Virtual treatment for behavioral addictions
There are many treatment options for behavioral addictions and the right option will depend on what type of addiction someone is suffering from and the severity of their symptoms. Treatment for addiction can range from inpatient facilities, outpatient services, individual or group counseling, support groups and virtual treatment. Birches Health offers a comprehensive menu of care options based in virtual treatment. The therapists at Birches specialize in behavioral and process addictions including:
Gambling
Sex
Pornography
Video games
Technology
Day Trading
Social Media
Cryptocurrency
Sports Betting
Substance Abuse
There are multiple options for taking the first step with Birches Health:
Or you can simply call 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to get in touch with the Birches team right away.
