As of 2022, scientists believe that at least half of a person’s likelihood to become addicted to drugs is linked to genetic factors. In other words, there is a genetic basis for addiction, but outside factors also impact a person’s likelihood of being addicted.
In order to best fight addiction in your own life, you must understand how your genes impact your likelihood of becoming addicted. At the same time, you have to recognize that outside factors also impact your addiction, which means you aren’t guaranteed to be addicted, even if you are susceptible through your genetic makeup. So, you have the power to change your life.
Keep reading to learn more about is addiction genetic.
Are Addictions Genetic?
Studies have found that addiction is genetic to at least some degree. The degree to which genetics impact your drug addiction is debated. However, more and more research is showing that addiction is genetic to some degree.
In fact, scientists have estimated that as much as 50% of your likelihood of suffering from substance abuse disorder is due to your genetics. The remaining half is due to outward situations, such as stress and environment.
That being said, just because you have the genetic makeup for substance abuse does not mean you will become addicted. It only means you have a predisposition to addiction, and your environment can either bring out the addiction or keep it in your genes.
What Is The Addiction Gene?
So, we’ve learned the answer to the question is drug addiction genetics. If that’s the case, what exactly is responsible for addiction in our genes.
Scientists have found that there is no one addiction gene. Instead, there are quite a few genes at play when determining addiction. Still, there is one part of your makeup that largely impacts addiction. Your D2 dopamine receptors can be used to determine how likely you are to become addicted to alcohol or drugs.
Studies have found that people with fewer D2 receptors are more likely to become addicted. Conversely, those with more D2 receptors are less likely to become addicted.
How Does Environment Impact Addiction?
Asking, “Can substance abuse?” is only half the battle. After all, there are tons of people who have the genetic makeup that points to addiction, but they never suffer from alcohol or drug abuse. The reason for this is that your environment plays a vital role in determining your addiction.
Since as much as 50% of your likelihood of becoming addicted comes from your genes, the remaining 50% comes from your environment. Individuals who find themselves in stressful and unstable environments are more likely to become addicted than those in stable, calm, and fulfilling environments.
In fact, there is a lot of debate about how much your environment impacts addiction. Some scientists believe that environmental factors are a bigger determiner of whether or not someone will become addicted to drugs or alcohol.
You Can Overcome Your Addiction
Once you know the answer to, “Is addiction genetic?” you might feel as though you have no hope of overcoming your addiction. This is not the case. Although your genes play a big role in your likelihood of becoming addicted, you have the power to overcome your addiction and begin living the life you’ve been dreaming of.
Because environmental factors also impact your likelihood of addiction, you can change your mindset, body, and environment for the better.
To begin your journey at overcoming addiction and defeating your genetic makeup, contact 90210 Recovery at 877-839-6775. Our comprehensive rehabilitation services can allow you to unlearn your trauma, find healthy techniques for overcoming your genes, begin living a life of sobriety.
