The Role of Genetics in Addiction: Separating Fact From Fiction

Genetics is a basic study of how certain traits and characteristics are passed down from parent to child, throughout family lineages. Everything from your eye color to hair color to personality traits can be passed down, including proclivities toward certain substances, like alcohol or drugs. When asking the question: do genetics play a role in addiction? The answer is yes, but just because your father was an alcoholic, for example, doesn’t mean you will become one. Having genetic predispositions for certain addictions will increase your risk, but it does not guarantee it.

The Latest Research on Genetics and Addiction

Scientists estimate that genetics and the influence of environmental factors on gene expression (known as epigenetics) account for 40%-60% of a person's risk of addiction. They also say that teens and those with mental illnesses are at greater risk of developing drug addiction than others.

According to a study published in Monitor on Psychology, at least half of a person’s susceptibility to drug addiction can be linked to genetic reasons. But that’s not all — it also has to do with the environment they grew up in. Was there a high incidence of trauma? Are there mental health issues in the family? Was there adequate care for the child? These factors all play into the risk factors associated with addiction later in life.

Specific Addictions and Genetic Links

Addiction usually results from a mixture of genetic factors as well as your environment and mental state. However, some substances show a higher genetic factor than others.

Here’s a breakdown:

Process addictions, such as gambling, are more influenced by environmental factors. While genes influence the reward system in the brain, gambling addiction usually develops based on learned behaviors. Social and financial pressure may also influence gamblers to indulge, and often there is an underlying mental health issue at play.

Genes Involved in Addiction

There is no single “addiction gene,” but researchers have identified a few genes that influence a person’s risk of addiction. The first are dopamine receptor genes (DRD2 and DRD4). Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain involved with the reward system. Differences in these genes will influence how an individual experiences pleasure and reward, which could increase their vulnerability to addiction.

Genes involved with alcohol (ADH1B and ALDH2), are strongly associated with a risk of developing an alcohol addiction, and they influence how the body metabolizes alcohol. CHRNA5 is a protein-coding gene associated with tobacco addiction.

And lastly, certain stress response genes control how the body regulates stress hormones. If someone has a genetic disposition to handle stress poorly, they could be at a greater risk of reaching for substances to help them feel calmer, creating a higher risk of addiction.

Environmental and Genetic Interplay

Substance abuse and addiction are complex topics, and they do not have one single cause. Addiction comes from a complex combination of someone's genetics, environment and even childhood upbringing.

Here’s an example: If one child carries a gene that makes them susceptible to alcoholism, and they witness a parent drinking heavily every night and are around peers who also drink heavily, their genetic risk of alcoholism becomes a higher risk because their environment is infiltrated with alcohol.

If another child with the same gene grew up in a household with minimal alcohol use and witnessed their parents prioritizing eating and drinking healthily while teaching them healthy coping mechanisms and ways not to give into peer pressure, they may never experience any substance abuse issues. Having specific genes is not always the main cause — it’s a combination of factors.

When it comes to addiction, family history, environmental influences, the behaviors of family members and genes all become a factor.

Implications for Prevention and Treatment

While genetic factors are just one piece of the puzzle of addiction, it is still important to learn your genetic proclivities toward addiction. For example, AvertD is an FDA-approved genetic assay for opioid use disorder (OUD). AvertD marks the first time patients can access information about whether they have an elevated risk for OUD before they are prescribed an opioid for acute pain.

Knowledge is power, and one of the ways to overcome genetic addiction is to prevent it.

Seeking Help for Addiction

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, get help right away. There are many resources available. First, it’s important to talk to loved ones to research the best care that’s needed.

If you think you may be at risk due to genetic or environmental factors, you can use a screening tool to assess your risk of addiction. Seek out a doctor or therapist, or even better — an addiction facility that has everything you need to seek treatment. Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can offer support from others who have been through it.

Be honest with yourself and others and do not be afraid to ask for help. If you notice a loved one suffering, say something, and work with them to seek help.

How Caron Can Help

Addiction is a serious matter that takes a lot of support to get through. At Caron Treatment Centers, our experienced and compassionate staff provides comprehensive treatment options for individuals struggling with various types of addiction and substance use disorder. We offer a continuum of care that includes detoxification, medical stabilization, intensive residential treatment, outpatient treatment, aftercare services and more. View our treatment programs and contact us to discuss your options.