Studies have indicated that children of addicts are up to 8 times more likely to develop an addiction. So is addiction genetic? Well, yes and no. There is no single “addiction gene,” but there are biological differences that may make someone more or less susceptible to addiction. When scientists look at so-called “addiction genes,” what they’re really looking at are the interactions that take place between many genes.

Another significant factor is the particular substance in question. For example, there are genetic differences that determine how fast your body can metabolize alcohol. The same is true for how you react to various other substances. Genetics control how you handle the effects of drinking or taking drugs and therefore your potential for forming a drug or alcohol habit.

For others, it’s more psychological. People who are at a higher risk for mental illnesses, anxiety, and personality disorders due to genetics might also be more at risk for addiction because they may seek comfort in drugs and/or alcohol. Additionally, genetics control your risk-taking tendencies—like whether or not you’re willing to try a dangerous drug, for example. People who are predisposed to addiction may have a harder time quitting once they start, or they may experience more severe symptoms of withdrawal.

However, just because genetics may not be on your side doesn’t mean you’re doomed to become an addict. A large part of what makes an addict an addict is their environment. In fact, most researchers believe that addiction is 50% genetics and 50% environment. Growing up with a parent who is addicted to drugs or alcohol may increase your chances for starting down that same road.

The important thing to remember is that you have the control. Your genes don’t equal your destiny in this case. Solace Counseling can provide you with the resources you need to help you avoid addiction in the first place, or to help you recover from an existing addiction. Get help with drug addiction in Dallas now.