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Alpine Recovery Lodge » Blog » Is Addiction Genetic?

Is Addiction Genetic?

Last updated on September 18, 2019 by Medical Director Donald Harline, MD

Is Drug Addiction Genetic?
One of the key questions scientists are trying to answer is: Why are some people are more vulnerable to addiction than others? According to research, about 50 percent of a person’s susceptibility to drug addiction may be linked to genetics.

How are genes connected to drug addiction?

Addictive drugs provide a shortcut to the brain’s reward system, a system that transfers signals through a molecule, or neurotransmitter, called dopamine. Dopamine is commonly known as the happiness hormone. The brain’s reward system is affected by both genetic and environmental factors. A recent study published in the scientific journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, revealed a specific genetic link. Researchers discovered a small infectious agent that integrates within a gene to regulate dopamine activity. This same integration is often found in people with substance use disorders, and is therefore associated with drug addiction.

Is addiction a disease?

Addiction to drugs or alcohol is a type of mental illness. As with most cases of psychiatric disorders, both genetic and environmental factors play a part in determining whether a person will develop a substance use disorder.

Drugs change the brain’s chemistry—making quitting difficult even for those who want to. For most people the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary. Repeated drug use, however, leads to changes in the brain that test self-control and interfere with a person’s ability to resist the intense urge to continue using. Moreover, one addiction leads to other addictions. Using one drug (even casually) makes it easier to relapse and become addicted to another drug all over again.

Recovery requires complete abstinence from all addictive substances. Thankfully, you don’t have to do it alone. If you or a loved one are ready to begin your journey toward recovery, contact Alpine Recovery Lodge in Alpine, UT,at 877-415-4060. Our team of compassionate specialists is eager to help you transition to a life of sobriety.

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  • Conditions Treated
    • Substance Use Disorders
      • Understanding Alcoholism
      • Understanding Drug Addiction
      • Cocaine Addiction
      • Heroin Addiction
      • Prescription Drug Addiction
      • Meth Addiction
      • Amphetamine Addiction
      • Marijuana Addiction
      • Ecstasy Addiction
      • Inhalants Addiction
    • Mental Health Disorders
      • Bipolar & Mood Disorders
      • Anxiety Disorders
      • Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD)
      • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
      • Personality Disorders
      • Process Addictions
  • Treatments
    • Alcohol & Drug Treatment
    • Dual Diagnosis
    • Detox Program
    • Trauma and PTSD Treatment
    • EMDR
    • The 12 Steps
    • Faith-Based Addiction Programs
    • Holistic Approach to Recovery
  • Specialized Therapy
    • Individual Therapy
    • Group Therapy
    • Family Therapy
    • Relapse Prevention
    • Emotional Processing
    • Life Coaching
    • Nature & Experiential Therapy
    • Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
    • Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Admissions
    • Alpine Recovery Lodge Admissions
    • What To Bring
    • Payment Options
    • Financing Options
  • Alumni
  • Blog
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Testimonials
    • Alpine Recovery Lodge Campus Tour
    • Areas Served
    • Comparison Chart
    • FAQ
    • Career
  • Contact