At one point in your life, you will probably know someone who suffers from drug addiction or alcoholism. This person can be a friend or perhaps someone much more, who has simply gone down the wrong path (or suffers from severe pain and turns to self-medication). However, for many people around the world, this horror can be taking place right in the sanctity of home. Unfortunately, grown children have to cope with their parents, siblings, or other relatives dealing with this terrible mental illness. Still, have you ever considered this behavior a red flag on your part? Did you ever consider the possibility that drug addiction or alcoholism could run in your family, specifically your genetic code? Let’s take a closer look at this possibility and find out more information.
Family History Is a Huge Factor
Based on multiple studies, 50% of a person’s family history plays a major role in their tendency toward abuse and addiction (compared to 50% related to poor skills at coping). For example (in a study that assessed 861 pairs of identical twins), if one twin developed alcoholism, the second twin had a higher propensity for suffering from the same disorder. Even more disconcerting, if a child has parents who suffer from drug addiction and alcoholism, this child will be 8 times more like to develop this mental illness than another child with healthy parents.
How Do Genes Determine Addiction?
Unfortunately, all of us have the genetic predisposition for drug or alcohol addiction, mostly due to an evolutionary trait. Once animals taste a food or beverage that brings them pleasure, these animals will continue to eat or drink these substances, as it might be beneficial for them in the future. So, in a very strange twist, this urge is a natural part of our neurological network. In other words, we are hardwired to become addicts. However, given the fact that 50% of addiction is caused by stress or emotional weakness, everyone has the ability to overcome these overwhelming feelings. So, it is never too late, despite genetics.
Seeking Treatment for Drug Abuse, Alcohol Abuse, or Addiction
Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
