If you have immediate family members who all suffer from addictions, are you genetically predisposed?

Question

I was curious as to whether addictions can be passed down through faulty genes or chromosomes. I have alcoholic cousins, my father died from a meth addiction, and my mother smokes cigarettes like a chimney. I smoke, have tried to quit but REALLY can't, it seems to alter my personality even when I try my best, and I stay away from alcohol because the few times I drank, I had no self control. I've never touched hard drugs because of my fear that I will become an addict. Can addictions really run in families, or does it have more to do with being raised by addicts without self control? By the way, I do love my parents, even my deceased father, they were loving but had their demons, but I'm just looking for an answer as to why some families seem predisposed to addictive behaviours.

Answer 1

Yes. Addictions are biopsychosocial mental disorders, which means they have biological (genetic), psychological and social (environmental) causes and influences. Given what you have described about your family, I would not be suprised if you do have a strong genetic predisposition to substance abuse. That said, not all people who are addicted to substances have family histories or genetic predispositions, but most do have at least one family member with an addiction or other mental disorder. Since you were raised in an environment of substance abuse, that also makes you more at risk for addiction. Good for you for recognizing your risks and avoiding alcohol and other drugs. As for smoking, don't feel bad, a lot of people can't quit on their own, research has shown that nicotine is more addictive and has longer withdrawel periods than heroin or cocaine. Talk to your doctor about what support is avaliable to you for quitting and good luck!

Answer 2

According to wikipedia, "Approximately two thirds of cats are susceptible to the effects of catnip, as the phenomenon is hereditary." Genes cause certain cats' brains to be affected by the catnip, but other cats with different genes don't have their brains affected that way.

Well, it's the same with humans and certain drugs. Some human brains are affected differently by certain drugs. The difference is not as big as with cats and catnip, but there is a difference nonetheless. Unlike with cats, where some of them are not affected by catnip at all, all humans are affected by alcohol, but some of them are affected in a different and more powerful way, targeting different parts of the brain. Anyone can form an abusive alcohol habit but only some people can become deeply neurologically dependent on it. For these people, their brains can easily and quickly become permanently rewired in unhealthy ways when triggered by regular alcohol use. If you are one of these people, there might be a few signs to let you know (but not always). If alcohol affects you a lot at first but quickly your tolerance builds up and you need to drink more and more to get the same effect, and this happens to you more quickly than other people, that might be sign. If being drunk often causes you to forget everything that happened when you were drunk, more than other people, that might be a sign. ADD is often also associated with having a brain that is more susceptible to alcohol addiction than others.

Alcohol is not the only drug that has a different addictiveness for different people. I am not sure what all the other drugs that work like this are, though. I suspect that nicotine is equally addictive for all people, but I'm not sure.

Answer 3

It's your house, pray all you want. Just don't make the one that doesn't pray feel like an outcast for not participating. You should probably have that person stand next to you, and tell them that even though you know they don't believe, it feels good holding their hand anyway, since you can never have enough opportunities to show how much you love someone. Tell them that they don't have to pray, or even close their eyes or even say a word during the prayer, you just enjoy their company in that old family tradition. You can tell them this personally, so as to not put them in the spotlight. That way, they can tell you how they feel about the whole thing and you can make adjustments from there. Once everyone understands and accepts eachother for who they are and how they feel, I see no reason you can't still have them as a part of the tradition. Use it as a means to show your family solidarity, and let them know that you still consider them part of the group, disbelief and all. I assure you, done properly (with love and understanding, as well as a willingness to listen) you can use this as a means to foster a togetherness that will make even the atheist want to be a part of.

Answer 4

Addiction is OFTEN something that is passed down as a predisposition. This does not mean you WILL become a substance abuser, it means that IF you abuse a substance, you have a greater chance of becoming addicted to it. It's still entirely in your hands.
Remember, nicotine, gram for gram, is the most addictive substance on THE PLANET. That's right, more than crack cocaine, more than opium, heroine or pure morphine.

On the bright side, the withdrawal symptoms for nicotine are among the most mild.

Answer 5

lakemoons, I would first like to say, that I admire your strength and determination, for not following your parents behavior of substance abuse. It takes tremendous self-control and perseverance for anyone to abstain from substance abuse, however, you have made that accomplishment while being exposed to that environment. There are many factors that can affect addiction. Biological(genetics) can play a role, however every individual differs as to their genetic tolerance. Psychological, social, and economic problems can also contribute to addiction. I would like to add,
that your AWARENESS to the devastation abuse can cause is significant, as you continue to make choices in your life. As for the cigarettes,the strange feelings are caused by the withdrawal, that cause you to have anxiety. Withdrawal from nicotine is physical and emotional. There is a saying"Don't quit trying to quit" I am sorry you and your family have suffered so much tragedy, stay strong, be healthy and never underestimate yourself!

Answer 6

I've heard that if one or both of your parents have the "addict gene", your chances of becoming an addict is 50%. I would be very carefull! Yes the gene can be passed from generation to generation.

Answer 7

its self control. do you think god really scripted for some cells to be like a refridgerator magnet to a cocktail? your not just like your parents. millions of seeds could have come to be. youre one of them. i smoked cigarettes for a long time and quit with the patch. listen, im a little kooky and seeing that i quit smoking i know you can do it too. it took me two years to quit. its patience deligence and will. listen, work on your will. you have will power. its a little muscle in your brain. you think that hulk hogan always bench pressed 200 lbs? no way. he started on tiny number 2. so basically what i am saying is its will power. you can just go to the finish line. you got to run the race. yes you will feel like a lunatic quitting smoking, but it will pass.

Answer 8

I have heard that I am genetically predisposed to be like my parents and siblings butt through my own conscious tenacity I am not over weight and I keep my space clean and clutter free. You don't have to be like them(whoever they are)if you are determined to drive your own boat.

Answer 9

no no no!!! this is a choice they choose to be alcoholics therefore they are choosing to pick up that drink. we all make our own decisions and whoever told you that is wrong. my dad is a 51 year old drunk and I am 29 and NEVER picked up a drink in my life!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 10

Yes.