Are Identical Twins Usually Both Addicts?

Is addiction caused by the environment someone experiences throughout life? Or is addiction a problem that lies deep within one’s genetic makeup? These questions have plagued researchers for years, and the answers greatly impact how we treat addicts. Addiction caused by a lack of nurture means that coaching and therapy in drug rehabilitation may be the best answer, while addiction caused by nature may be best treated with medication.

The fact is that there is no one single cause of addiction. Studies have found that at least half of a person’s susceptibility to drug addiction is, in fact, linked to genetics. Other studies have found that children who live in chaotic households that involve high levels of fear, worry, and concern are at a higher risk of substance use and abuse.

Here’s what you need to know about how nurture and nature impact one’s predisposition to become an addict and how substance abuse treatment can help.

How Nature Can Cause Addiction

Genes not only dictate the color of our hair or the complexion of our skin, they also play a role in our predisposition to addiction. There are many different genes that influence one to start using, to enjoy using, and to continue to use harmful substances. Parents who have children unknowingly pass these genes on to their offspring.

A child who grows up in an alcohol-abusing household is much more likely to become an alcoholic himself. One study found that children of addicts are eight times more likely to develop an addiction. At the same time, one would argue that a child growing up in a substance-filled environment is also impacted by nurture.

Addiction & Nurture

Abuse, high levels of stress, and a broken home all lead to a lack of nurture. Children, and even adults, who live in less-than-ideal environments are at a much higher risk of turning to drugs or alcohol in order to cope. The inability to cope is a great factor

Often, when nurture is the underlying cause of addiction, drug addiction help involves many different forms of therapy to pinpoint the behaviors, thoughts, and past experiences that continue to welcome addiction into one’s life.

Cause Matters, but It Doesn’t Define You

No matter if you grew up in a home with addicted parents or come from a long line of alcoholics, the fact is that the cause of your addiction doesn’t define you. What’s important to know is that you can rise above these factors and seek help from rehabs, get the treatment you need, and come out on the other side a healthier and better person.

It’s never too late to get the help you need.

Quality, Trusted Treatment Is Available

There’s no one factor that causes one to become an addict and, at our treatment center, we’re devoted to holistic treatment that addresses all of the underlying causes. At Retreat Premier Addiction Treatment Centers, we offer a wide range of treatment options that allow you to overcome addiction. Our personalized treatment programs are holistic, designed to not only treat addiction but to pinpoint what factors, behaviors, and thoughts played a role in your addiction taking hold.

Our inpatient and outpatient rehab services are designed to help you take back control of your life and to live free of the chains of addiction. No matter if you’re suffering from alcohol or drug abuse, help is available.

Call our team at (855) 859-8808 to learn more about our programs and to get started toward the best version of you.

Sources:

  1. http://www.apa.org/monitor/2008/06/genes-addict.aspx
  2. http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/SAToolkit_1.pdf
  3. https://www.addictionsandrecovery.org/is-addiction-a-disease.htm