Come Home
To Recovery

(888) 418-4188
Genetic Predisposition Addiction

Is Addiction Genetic?

Environmental factors, such as availability of alcohol or illicit drugs, are not the only contributors to addiction. An individual who struggles with addiction may have a genetic predisposition. In studies, compulsive behavior and lack of control, as well as chronic relapses, were analyzed in regard to the genetic relationships among individuals. Genetic predisposition is one of the most intensely studied of drug abuse statistics and facts.

The journal Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics studied such connections among adult twins in 2009, in studies of alcohol addiction, drug addiction, and use of sedatives, hallucinogens stimulants, and opiates.

Studies have identified genetics as one of the causes of drug addiction. Genes impact dyscontrol, reward seeking, stress and resiliency, and treatment response. The involvement of genes in addiction will affect, for example, alcohol recovery and drug treatment. Physicians can use information from genetic testing to find a treatment more likely to be effective over the long run.

Genetic Mechanisms for Addiction

At a genetic level, addiction is an evolutionary advantage. Think of an animal associating a particular food with pleasure. It will then know to look for it in its environment. Drug and alcohol abuse exploits this mechanism. Substances can rewire the brain, so one does not have to have a genetic predisposition to develop an addiction. However, a family history increases the likelihood of siblings and offspring engaging in substance abuse.

Genetics account for 50% of the risk for dependence, according to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.

Several genetic components have been identified and are considered to be directly or indirectly related to other causes of drug addiction.

D2 receptors, or dopamine receptors, are involved in the control of reward and pleasure. In brain imaging studies, individuals with fewer D2 receptors were found to be at greater risk for drug abuse, according to the American Psychological Association. Those with more receptors were less likely to face addiction. The connection—the number of receptors a person has—is genetically determined; if a person repeatedly uses a drug, a higher concentration of receptors makes him or her more vulnerable to becoming addicted.

Drug And Alcohol Addiction

Comorbid Factors

Addiction is a disease, and it is partly genetic and partly due to poor coping skills and choices. Heart disease, diabetes, and many types of cancer are attributed to this mix as well. However, other factors include mental illness. Depression, bipolar disorder, and even post-traumatic stress disorder are often seen in people who abuse drugs. Known as comorbidity, the presence of two conditions may or may not have a causal relationship. However, many individuals with mental illness self-manage an issue with addictive substances and may delay seeking help for alcohol addiction.

The complex interaction of gene activity and environmental exposure, studied in the field of epigenetics, is at play with drug addiction. Nowadays, technology allows for a genetic analysis of diseases, so physicians can look at a person’s predisposition to abuse drugs or alcohol when they go through drug detox or seek drug and alcohol addiction treatment.

Regardless of the cause, get on the path to sobriety with Yellowstone Recovery in Costa Mesa, California, and call (888) 418-4188 to learn more about our programs.

Request More Information

Start your recovery today.

     
     
     
    • Treatment Options
    • Program Curriculum
    • Program Services
    young man talking to his therapist

    Intensive Outpatient (IOP)

    Intensive OutPatient treatment (IOP) helps people establish the foundations for lifelong sobriety…

    read more...
    patio with tables covered by umbrellas

    Detoxification

    Our California alcohol and drug addiction treatment program is predicated on restoring you to your ideal health. Detox is a crucial part…

    read more...
    gate for one of the rehab facility homes

    Primary Care – Residential Treatment

    The first phase of our program is primary care. During this phase clients will be in a 30-day “blackout” period…

    read more...
    three straw men standing in front of two trees

    Residential Treatment – Extended Care

    Residential treatment extended care starts on day 31 and goes through day 90. This period is very important for a client in early recovery…

    read more...
    small outdoor pond

    Outpatient Treatment

    Outpatient treatment serves as aftercare for clients who have completed extended care (90 days of residential treatment)…

    read more...
    gate for one of the rehab facility homes

    Sober Living

    Sober living at Yellowstone begins after the initial residential treatment portion of the program is successfully completed…

    read more...
    emotional support group with five men and women

    Weekday Schedule

    Detox and Residential Treatment

    read more...
    Depressed woman looking away

    Experiential Therapy

    Experiential Therapy is therapy of the mind rather than the body. It is a tool to help…

    read more...
    typewriter writing the words

    Contact Yellowstone Recovery

    read more...

    Why Choose Yellowstone?

    Low Cost Pricing

    Financing Available

    PPO Insurance Accepted

    Provide Complete
    Continuum of Care