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Is addiction genetic?

16 replies

notaflyingmonkey · 03/02/2020 09:35

I hope this isn't offensive, but it's something that I have been beating myself up about for a while.

My DS is a drug user. For context - my late brother was an addict. My father and his father were both alcoholics. So I grew up in an environment where heavy drinking was the norm. I was a drug user when younger and heavy drinker, but have been clean and sober since before I had kids (roughly 25 years). Neither DH nor myself smoke/drink/take drugs, so that is not something that DCs have been brought up around. We aren't evangelical about it - eg I have no problem if someone wants to drink in moderation, but am hugely concerned about the effect of drugs on DS who has underlying MH issues.

Is it my fault that he self medicates with drugs? Is it addiction genetic and therefore almost inevitable, given that it wasn't part of his environment growing up?

OP posts:
WhyNotMe40 · 03/02/2020 09:39

Following. My parents were big drinkers (functional alcoholics?) . My brother was a functional alcoholic until he wasn't and it killed him in his 40s. I have had alcohol issues and eating disorders in my past (currently drink about 1-2 units maybe once a month).
I also have children and worry about them. They do not encounter regular drinking at home but still I worry...

Iminaglasscaseofemotion · 03/02/2020 09:45

I think it can be. I think it's more the addictive personality that can be hereditary.

troppibambini · 03/02/2020 09:50

I think so. My dad was an alcoholic as was dh's mum.
We have four children and we can already see that one has a much more addictive personality than the others.
He's the one that always wants to be on an iPad and cries if you take it away, he seems to have no off switch when it comes to food either... it worries me he's only little now but how things will pan out concerns me.

Mintjulia · 03/02/2020 10:01

Following with interest. My df was a gambler. I understand the "attraction" and avoid racing/lottery etc because I can feel just how easy it would be to get carried away.

But inherited or just a mix of being raised in poverty and and having an overly optimistic outlook...? I don't know.

purpleboy · 03/02/2020 10:11

I'm not sure if it's genetic or not.
Both my parents were alcoholics (we owned and lived a hotel) so drink was a big part of their lives. Growing up it was the same for my brother and I.
It was normal to see adults regularly drunk.
My brother started doing drugs when he was 16 he is now 40 and homeless, serious MH and drug issues. I was into it in my teens but stopped as soon as I had DD.
So I don't know, we've gone in opposite directions regardless of having the same upbringing?
He definitely has an addictive personality though whereas I don't.

thewigglewalk · 03/02/2020 10:28

Yes it is. It is linked to brain chemistry and that is potentially very genetic. Lots of research on google explaining the links..

NoMorePoliticsPlease · 03/02/2020 13:20

I wouldnt say that there is an addictive personality per se but having read Annie Grace This Naked Mind it would seem that there is a part of the brain that has that little pleasure hit and leads to wanting another that seems to feature. People that take one glass of wine and put the bottle away with no interest, have less activity in this part of the brain. The same hit applies to all addictive substances and gambling. Lots of other factors do come in to play such as environment and social norms. Please dont beat yourself up about inherited genes, there is nothing to be done about them. In the end, the choice to follow addiction or not, is not down to will power, but lots of things, including choice and support

Dapplegrey · 04/02/2020 00:05

I think it is genetic.
My uncle was an alcoholic and made life for his family absolute hell. Two of my cousins barely drink, so appalled were they by what it did to their father.
The third cousin was also appalled but despite that, he became an alcoholic.

oldstripeyNEWname1 · 04/02/2020 00:26

It is not as straight forward as is there a gene yes or no.

The only 'conclusive' studies as such are those where you can establish that those people with the same genes but who have grown up in different life circumstances go on to have diferent lifestyles.... so those with an alcolic father do not have a predetermined life chance of being an alcoholic regardless of unbringing.

The difficulty with such studies is two fold. One. Tracking people over a long period is difficult, costly, and studies often lack validity. Secondly, studies usually need genetically equal comparators in different situations, ie adopted twins separated at birth. At best extremely rare, at worst, unethical.

Without those studies (there's one Kajj, I think), it is really hard to tell what is nature and what is nature. The brain and consequently personality and behaviour will be constantly changing, with some genes being switched off and others becoming more important (epigenetic). Certain character traits will dominate for example competitiveness, risk taking that trigger the release of brain chemicals endorphins, that promote certain behaviours (relaxation, calmness, pleasure). That creates a cycle craving more excitement, risk taking, adrenaline fueled behaviour.

There's no point worrying what genetic inheritance you've given your children. Some kids will create that dynamite themselves. Rather, you've given them a headstart in knowing what to look out for, by giving them an awareness of excitement ahead from their ancestors. Whatever that behaviour, or propensity to alcohol, or drugs, or gambling, or religion, or whatever was.

BlueHarry · 04/02/2020 00:32

I am sure some people are more easily addicted to things than others, and I guess it would make sense that there's a genetic element to it. One brother and I, both fit into the "easily addicted" category, though I have managed to sort my life out mostly, he's nearing rock bottom and has come very close to homelessness due to drugs. Our father was an alcoholic. I don't know the family history before him. Our other brother does not seem to get addicted to things like we do, he just reacts completely differently.

oldstripeyNEWname1 · 04/02/2020 00:34

*nature or nurture

Whathewhatnow · 13/06/2020 23:43

It is very well established from twin studies that propensity to addiction is genetic. Obviously there is a large modifying effect of environment but its clear to me that it isnt just environment. Not much is when it comes to behaviour....

The two alcoholics I know, both have one parent who was also an alcoholic. In one case the person didnt ever meet their alcoholic parent. In the other case they grew up with the alcoholic parent but the parent managed to quit and replace substance addiction with absolute religious fervour. Similarly at the expense of the rest of the household hmm. Some people must have a powerful need for extreme stimulus.

It's a total curse but I really am convinced it is in large part genetic.

I'd be really interested to see some data on addiction in countries where substance use (drugs, alcohol) is frowned on for religious purposes. What happens there??

Whathewhatnow · 13/06/2020 23:56

Here you go, good summary of the research evidence

Akal212 · 18/04/2021 15:47

Yes yes and yes

Andante57 · 20/04/2021 06:48

Yes.

springydaff · 20/06/2021 02:32

Yes I think so. It has absolutely nothing to do with you.

It's hard to accept initially but once you do, knowing it is not your fault, you can be more present for your boy 🌹

Do go to Al-anon - it isn't just for those close to alcoholics but all addicts. Take care 💐

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