Drug addiction is often viewed as a personal choice. However, drug addiction is not that simple. Many factors contribute to drug addiction, and some of those factors may be hereditary.
Genetics
It is estimated that someone's genetic risk for addiction may be about 50%. In other words, if your parents or other close relatives have a history of drug addiction, you’re more likely to struggle with addiction yourself.
Many different genes can contribute to a person's risk for addiction. Some genes make people more sensitive to the effects of drugs, leading to increased cravings and a greater risk of developing an addiction. Other genes affect how the brain processes dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in pleasure and motivation. Changes in dopamine signaling have been linked to drug addiction.
Dopamine
The brain’s reward system is designed to encourage us to repeat behaviors essential for survival, such as eating and sleeping. This system releases the neurotransmitter dopamine when we do something that makes us feel good, reinforcing the behavior and making us want to do it again.
Drugs of abuse hijack this system by artificially increasing the level of dopamine in the brain, which creates a powerful feeling of pleasure. The person then associates drug use with this feeling of pleasure and starts to crave the drug.
Dopamine is not only involved in the brain’s reward system but also plays a role in learning and memory. This may help to explain why drug addiction is often accompanied by other problems, such as anxiety and depression. It may also be one of the reasons why people find it so difficult to quit drugs, even when they are aware of the harmful consequences.
Environmental Risks
Several environmental risk factors can lead to drug addiction in multiple family members. These include exposure to drug-using peers, witnessing drug use in the home, and having parents who abuse drugs. Additionally, poverty and living in a community with high rates of drug use can also increase the risk of drug addiction in multiple family members.
How The Good Life Treatment Center Can Help
If you or someone you know is addicted to drugs, The Good Life Treatment Center can provide the help and support needed to overcome addiction. Addiction is a serious problem that can lead to many different health and social problems. Our North Palm Beach treatment center offers various programs, counseling, and other support services to help you overcome your addiction.
If you or someone you love is struggling, let The Good Life Treatment Center help. Learn more by contacting us online or by phone: (561) 250-8552.