Skip to content
Roots Through Recovery Logo
  • About
    • Blog
    • Meet The Team
    • Our Advantage
    • Our Treatment Philosophy
  • Conditions We Treat
    • Alcohol & Substance Abuse Disorders
    • Adult & Childhood Traumas
    • Chronic Or Persistent Pain
    • Depression & Anxiety
    • Dual Diagnosis or Co-occurring
    • Mental Health Disorders
    • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Sexual Trauma
    • Transgender Support Services
  • Specialized Populations
    • Executives/Professionals
    • First Responders
    • LGBTQ
    • Native Americans
    • Trauma/PTSD Survivors
    • Veterans & Active Duty
  • Programs
    • COVID Testing
    • Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
    • Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
    • Outpatient Treatment
    • Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
    • Physical Rehabilitation
    • Therapy
      • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
      • EMDR
      • Mindfulness-based Relapse Prevention
      • Motivational Interviewing
      • Seeking Safety
      • Somatic Experiencing
    • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
  • Admissions
    • We Accept Medi-Cal
    • Employee Referral
    • For a Loved One
    • For Me
    • Patient Referral
Menu
  • About
    • Blog
    • Meet The Team
    • Our Advantage
    • Our Treatment Philosophy
  • Conditions We Treat
    • Alcohol & Substance Abuse Disorders
    • Adult & Childhood Traumas
    • Chronic Or Persistent Pain
    • Depression & Anxiety
    • Dual Diagnosis or Co-occurring
    • Mental Health Disorders
    • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Sexual Trauma
    • Transgender Support Services
  • Specialized Populations
    • Executives/Professionals
    • First Responders
    • LGBTQ
    • Native Americans
    • Trauma/PTSD Survivors
    • Veterans & Active Duty
  • Programs
    • COVID Testing
    • Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
    • Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
    • Outpatient Treatment
    • Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
    • Physical Rehabilitation
    • Therapy
      • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
      • EMDR
      • Mindfulness-based Relapse Prevention
      • Motivational Interviewing
      • Seeking Safety
      • Somatic Experiencing
    • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
  • Admissions
    • We Accept Medi-Cal
    • Employee Referral
    • For a Loved One
    • For Me
    • Patient Referral
562-473-0827
Roots Through Recovery Logo
call us now
  • About
    • Blog
    • Meet The Team
    • Our Advantage
    • Our Treatment Philosophy
  • Conditions We Treat
    • Alcohol & Substance Abuse Disorders
    • Adult & Childhood Traumas
    • Chronic Or Persistent Pain
    • Depression & Anxiety
    • Dual Diagnosis or Co-occurring
    • Mental Health Disorders
    • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Sexual Trauma
    • Transgender Support Services
  • Specialized Populations
    • Executives/Professionals
    • First Responders
    • LGBTQ
    • Native Americans
    • Trauma/PTSD Survivors
    • Veterans & Active Duty
  • Programs
    • COVID Testing
    • Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
    • Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
    • Outpatient Treatment
    • Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
    • Physical Rehabilitation
    • Therapy
      • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
      • EMDR
      • Mindfulness-based Relapse Prevention
      • Motivational Interviewing
      • Seeking Safety
      • Somatic Experiencing
    • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
  • Admissions
    • We Accept Medi-Cal
    • Employee Referral
    • For a Loved One
    • For Me
    • Patient Referral
Menu
  • About
    • Blog
    • Meet The Team
    • Our Advantage
    • Our Treatment Philosophy
  • Conditions We Treat
    • Alcohol & Substance Abuse Disorders
    • Adult & Childhood Traumas
    • Chronic Or Persistent Pain
    • Depression & Anxiety
    • Dual Diagnosis or Co-occurring
    • Mental Health Disorders
    • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Sexual Trauma
    • Transgender Support Services
  • Specialized Populations
    • Executives/Professionals
    • First Responders
    • LGBTQ
    • Native Americans
    • Trauma/PTSD Survivors
    • Veterans & Active Duty
  • Programs
    • COVID Testing
    • Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
    • Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
    • Outpatient Treatment
    • Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
    • Physical Rehabilitation
    • Therapy
      • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
      • EMDR
      • Mindfulness-based Relapse Prevention
      • Motivational Interviewing
      • Seeking Safety
      • Somatic Experiencing
    • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
  • Admissions
    • We Accept Medi-Cal
    • Employee Referral
    • For a Loved One
    • For Me
    • Patient Referral
Roots Through Recovery Logo
  • About
    • Blog
    • Meet The Team
    • Our Advantage
    • Our Treatment Philosophy
  • Conditions We Treat
    • Alcohol & Substance Abuse Disorders
    • Adult & Childhood Traumas
    • Chronic Or Persistent Pain
    • Depression & Anxiety
    • Dual Diagnosis or Co-occurring
    • Mental Health Disorders
    • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Sexual Trauma
    • Transgender Support Services
  • Specialized Populations
    • Executives/Professionals
    • First Responders
    • LGBTQ
    • Native Americans
    • Trauma/PTSD Survivors
    • Veterans & Active Duty
  • Programs
    • COVID Testing
    • Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
    • Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
    • Outpatient Treatment
    • Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
    • Physical Rehabilitation
    • Therapy
      • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
      • EMDR
      • Mindfulness-based Relapse Prevention
      • Motivational Interviewing
      • Seeking Safety
      • Somatic Experiencing
    • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
  • Admissions
    • We Accept Medi-Cal
    • Employee Referral
    • For a Loved One
    • For Me
    • Patient Referral
Menu
  • About
    • Blog
    • Meet The Team
    • Our Advantage
    • Our Treatment Philosophy
  • Conditions We Treat
    • Alcohol & Substance Abuse Disorders
    • Adult & Childhood Traumas
    • Chronic Or Persistent Pain
    • Depression & Anxiety
    • Dual Diagnosis or Co-occurring
    • Mental Health Disorders
    • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Sexual Trauma
    • Transgender Support Services
  • Specialized Populations
    • Executives/Professionals
    • First Responders
    • LGBTQ
    • Native Americans
    • Trauma/PTSD Survivors
    • Veterans & Active Duty
  • Programs
    • COVID Testing
    • Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
    • Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
    • Outpatient Treatment
    • Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
    • Physical Rehabilitation
    • Therapy
      • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
      • EMDR
      • Mindfulness-based Relapse Prevention
      • Motivational Interviewing
      • Seeking Safety
      • Somatic Experiencing
    • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
  • Admissions
    • We Accept Medi-Cal
    • Employee Referral
    • For a Loved One
    • For Me
    • Patient Referral

Can You Inherit a Drug or Alcohol Addiction?

Can You Inherit an Addiction to Drugs and Alcohol

Home » Alcohol Abuse » Can You Inherit a Drug or Alcohol Addiction?

  • June 8, 2020
  • 1:31 am
  • No Comments

From chronic diseases to behavioral patterns, doctors know that a person’s genetic makeup can significantly influence their overall health. Addiction to drugs and alcohol is no different.

People whose close family members suffer from addiction may be at greater risk of developing an addiction to drugs and alcohol. However, genetics is not the only factor that affect whether a person will engage in substance abuse. Understanding the risk factors and taking steps to prevent and treat substance abuse are important to help a person live a healthy, fulfilled life free from addiction.

What Does Research Say About Addiction to Drugs and Alcohol?

According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, researchers conducted studies of twins and adopted children and discovered that a person with a family history of addiction is more likely to suffer from addiction than someone who does not.1

Researchers have also identified the presence of several genes that seem to put a person at greater risk of developing an addiction to drugs and alcohol. These genetics can affect how a person reacts to drugs and alcohol, and they can increase the likelihood that a person will experience conditions associated with an increased risk for substance abuse, such as antisocial personality disorder.

Having a family history of addiction does not mean a person is doomed to repeat their parents’ mistakes. NCADD estimates that genetic history makes up about 50 percent of a person’s overall risk for developing an addiction.

A number of other factors make up the remaining 50 percent of these risk factors. These include:

  • A person’s environment
  • A person’s individual responses to drugs and alcohol
  • A person’s understanding of the impact of substance abuse

Preventing Drug and Alcohol Abuse

When a person knows they have a family history of substance abuse, they can engage in preventive measures that reduce the chances of developing an addiction themselves.

Some suggestions for prevention from the National Institutes of Health include:

  • Avoid underage drinking, as the risk of developing an addiction is higher for those who begin using substances earlier in life.2
  • Drink moderately, or not at all. Moderate drinking is defined as no more than one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men. Although moderate drinking is associated with some health benefits, a person should not drink more—especially if they come from a family history of addiction.
  • Talk to an addiction treatment specialist or mental health professional. Developing an understanding of addiction and the complicated emotions that can lead to or contribute to addiction can help to prevent it. A mental health professional can help a person deal with the impact substance abuse has had on their family and identify strategies to live a healthier life.

Genetics Don’t Determine Everything

Heredity is only one part of the complicated puzzle related to the abuse of drugs and alcohol. Knowing a person has a family history of problems with drugs and alcohol can influence them to take preventive steps to reduce their own risk of developing an addiction.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction in Long Beach, don’t hesitate to seek help. Rehab and detox facilities like Roots Through Recovery have programs that can help you combat addiction as well as any co-occurring conditions. Roots Through Recovery facility in Long Beach is easily accessible via South Bay, Catalina Island, and Orange County. Visit 3939 Atlantic Ave, Suite 102 Long Beach, CA 90807 or call (866) 766-8776.


References:

  1. https://www.ncadd.org/about-addiction/family-history-and-genetics
  2. https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/AlcoholFacts&Stats/AlcoholFacts&Stats.htm

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Posts

  • Things to Understand About Dual Diagnosis and TreatmentEssential Things to Understand About Dual Diagnosis and Treatment
  • How To Quit Alcohol Addiction And Why It's So HardHow To Quit Alcohol Addiction And Why It’s So Hard
  • IOPIOP 101: What You Need to Know
  • what is outpatient treatment?What Is Outpatient Treatment And What Else You Should Know
  • physical rehab7 Features of Physical Rehab That Make Them Less Intimidating
Call Us NOW
Roots Through Recovery Logo

Copyright © 2020 Roots, Inc. All Rights Reserved. CA State Certification: #190817AP.

METTA Protocol

Links

  • About
  • Conditions We Treat
  • Specialized Populations
  • Programs
  • Admissions
  • Blog
  • JCAHO
  • Privacy Policy
  • HIPAA Policy

contact

  • info@roots-recovery.com
  • 562-473-0827
    (562) 473-0825 (fax)
  • 3939 Atlantic Ave, Suite 102 Long Beach, CA 90807

Clinic hours

Monday – Friday
9:00 am – 10:00 pm

Newsletter

eBook

Download Now

Maintained by: RxMedia LLC

Roots Through Recovery Logo

Copyright © 2020 Roots, Inc. All Rights Reserved. CA State Certification: #190817AP.

Links

  • About
  • Conditions We Treat
  • Specialized Populations
  • Programs
  • Admissions
  • Blog

contact

  • info@roots-recovery.com
  • 562-473-0827
    (562) 473-0825 (fax)
  • 3939 Atlantic Ave, Suite 102 Long Beach, CA 90807

Newsletter

Clinic hours

Monday – Friday
9:00 am – 10:00 pm

eBook

Download Now

 

Quote

“I am so grateful to be an alumni of Roots. Roots took me from my darkest of places, to the brightest and most beautiful part of life I've ever lived. They genuinely care about their clients. You will not be a number or a paycheck here. After discharging in February, I still receive help and words of wisdom whenever needed. Roots helped me battle things I'd been struggling with for over 14 years and finally put them behind me. I love roots with all my heart, and always will.”

Quote

“Just got 365 days sober today all thanks to these people at Roots. And saved my marriage.”

Quote

“It's great to see such a high quality of care program in Long Beach! The entire staff shows great care and compassion for their clients. The therapists are among the best around. Their admissions and case management is compassionate and driven to help you succeed! If your looking for help with trauma or substance abuse, this is the place for help!”

Quote

“Very serene setting, you feel right at home when you walk in. The staff are super nice and really care about their clients.”

Quote

“The most compassionate and knowledgeable staff! Roots Through Recovery offers the best addiction care and treatment available. They use multiple disciplines to cater to a wide variety of clients. Music therapy, art therapy....you name it, Roots has it! Do yourself a kindness and check them out. You'll be glad you did.”