Many have asked the question about whether having an addiction such as alcoholism is something that can be inherited or has a genetic base. There is research to indicate that some people have a predisposition to addiction that can be inherited. But what that really means is that certain people have biological differences that make them more or less susceptible to addiction. Your genetic make-up never âdoomsâ you to addiction. Dr. Glen Hanson of the Genetic Science Learning Center with the University of Utah states that “Just because you are prone to addiction doesn’t mean you’re going to become addicted. It just means you’ve got to be careful.” Researchers also know that there is not one âaddictionâ gene. It is a complex interaction of genes, environment and social influences.
But, addiction does seem to run in families. This seems especially true if you have blood relatives who have been involved in addiction. On the other hand, you can look at a family with parents who experience additions and often see a child who struggles with an addiction and another who has never had to deal with the disease. What we do know is that it is complicated and involves genetics, home environment, social supports, resilience or the ability to bounce back from problems, and the choices we make.
The family system has a huge influence on the behavior of children growing up, especially when family members have substance abuse issues. In families where members have addictive disorders, other issues or problems often also arise. For example, family members may experience mental health conditions, and domestic violence. Claudia Black, a well known author and expert in the field of family systems and addiction notes that âdrug addiction, compulsive disorders, depression, emotional abandonment, physical abandonment and family violence leave scars that can last a lifetime. Unfortunately, children observe the patterns of behavior that lead to these scars, and sometimes see the pain and hurt associated with addiction as part of typical family life. This has great influence on children as they grow up, increases their chance of becoming involved in substance abuse. Even when an adult child of parents who have addictions lives substance free , these experiences inform the choices that are made. People in recovery should look closely at how much influence their family had on them in their own choices, especially around substance use.
This also challenges recovering persons to consider the influence they have on their own children and family system. Certainly, our family and genetics did not cause us to be use alcohol and drugs. We recognize that addiction is a disease. We also know that as adults, we must take responsibility for our behaviors and our choices.