Addiction - hereditary?

azzabazza

I had an addiction several years ago to drink and I have very successfully overcome it thank goodness. I have recently discovered that my son has a gambling addiction. Can addiction be hereditary? The reason I ask is that I am adopted so have no family medical or other history.

harrys_nan

The only thing I can say is, my sister has a drink problem as did her dad but she has been told by her group leader that it isn't

Tropez

There is evidence that points to drug addictions (including alcohol) being hereditary, although no conclusive proof.

Psychologists are divided on whether what might be termed an "addictive personality" could be an inherited genetic trait; there is no hard evidence to suggest that this is the case but there is some evidence that some aspects of a personality, although by no means all of them, can be inherited from the parents.

However, even if it were the case, it would be but a small factor in determining whether someone will become addicted to something. Environment and circumstances are the main factors and while certain types of personality that may be inherited may be pre-disposed towards addiction, it doesn't necessarily follow that they will become addicted to something.

With regards to biology, addiction can be linked to dopamine, a hormone released by the brain when one experiences something they find pleasurable. Many addictions occur due to an excessive desire for this experience.

Smoking has been linked to other addictions as some of the chemicals in cigarettes actively effect the brain's natural "cleaning process" for dopamine, causing dopamine levels to remain high and resident for longer than would usually be the case. As a result, people who smoke may be more inclined towards other addictions due to the imbalance this causes.

azzabazza

Thanks for the very useful comments. I just feel so beat up that my addiction could impact on my children. They were so supportive when I needed them.

paulineb_2

For every theory to say addiction is hereditary, there is another one to say not.

The main thing is not to beat yourself up, but just to be as supportive as you can and try and get the person who needs it some help, if they are willing to take it.

kaya

Tropez wrote: »

There is evidence that points to drug addictions (including alcohol) being hereditary, although no conclusive proof.

Psychologists are divided on whether what might be termed an "addictive personality" could be an inherited genetic trait; there is no hard evidence to suggest that this is the case but there is some evidence that some aspects of a personality, although by no means all of them, can be inherited from the parents.

However, even if it were the case, it would be but a small factor in determining whether someone will become addicted to something. Environment and circumstances are the main factors and while certain types of personality that may be inherited may be pre-disposed towards addiction, it doesn't necessarily follow that they will become addicted to something.

With regards to biology, addiction can be linked to dopamine, a hormone released by the brain when one experiences something they find pleasurable. Many addictions occur due to an excessive desire for this experience.

Smoking has been linked to other addictions as some of the chemicals in cigarettes actively effect the brain's natural "cleaning process" for dopamine, causing dopamine levels to remain high and resident for longer than would usually be the case. As a result, people who smoke may be more inclined towards other addictions due to the imbalance this causes.

You seem very well read on the subject, have you read DeGrandpree or The Globalisation of addiction ? Both excellent reads

Tiddlywinks

azzabazza wrote: »

Thanks for the very useful comments. I just feel so beat up that my addiction could impact on my children. They were so supportive when I needed them.

If it is hereditary then that doesn't make it your fault.

I have a couple of medical conditions that run in our family... no-one's fault... just the role of the dice.

The only thing that you can do is give your support and be a positive role model from here.

Tropez

kaya wrote: »

You seem very well read on the subject, have you read DeGrandpree or The Globalisation of addiction ? Both excellent reads

I don't believe I have. I'll make a note, thanks.

marisco_2

Personally I don't buy into the idea that any addictions are hereditary. Whether a person ends up addicted to something or not, comes down to their own personal responsibility not the genetic transmission of characteristics. There's no such thing as no control over actions. As adults we all have choices and make conscious decisions about the path our life takes.

Treevo

marisco wrote: »

Personally I don't buy into the idea that any addictions are hereditary. Whether a person ends up addicted to something or not, comes down to their own personal responsibility not the genetic transmission of characteristics. There's no such thing as no control over actions. As adults we all have choices and make conscious decisions about the path our life takes.

Science and common sense disagree.

Tygermoth

I have observed on my mothers side a tendency to have addictions. The father was an alcoholic // mother a narcissist (unknown to them until later life)

However all nine children went into care and were brought up by different families in very diverse households.

All seven surviving have some form of addictive behaviour - mainly alcohol or shopping. one has a large drug addiction. One has a prescription medication issue.

Now the argument could be that their horrible childhood before care could be the contributing factor (this being said three were very very young and do not remember life before being adopted)

Of the eight children these individuals had all also have addictive issues. gambling, drugs, food and alcohol (The ninth does not.... but does repetitively choosing bad relationships and living off the drama count as a addiction or just a behavioural issue?)

As such i do think there is a genetic predisposition to addiction.

However this is my humble opinion based on observation only