Did you know that your genetics can play a great role in whether you develop an alcohol addiction or other substance addiction? According to the American Psychological Association, genes account for 60 percent of a person’s tendency to become addicted, although there can also be other factors at play. 1 While we can’t control our genetics, there are other things we can do to break the cycle of addiction. Realizing you have the power to change your circumstances can be empowering when you have the right tools.
As we explore how addiction can be passed down through generations, we will also share five valuable tips to break the cycle of addiction. You’ll also discover how treatment at Clear Life Recovery can help.
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How Addiction is Passed Down Through Generations
While every person who has a parent with an alcohol addiction will not automatically become addicted, children of one or more parents with addiction can be at a heightened risk of following that path. Children of those with a substance abuse disorder are often exposed to repeated trauma that may lead them to turn to substances to deal with their pain.
These types of traumas can include:
- Neglect
- Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
- Domestic violence
- Grief
Besides exposure to these types of traumas, children of those with a substance abuse addiction may also have easier access to drugs and alcohol, making it easier for them to try them and become addicted.
Children can also become confused when they see their parents drink too much and may not know how to process their feelings. 2 This may also lead them to seek comfort in substances.
5 Tips for Breaking the Cycle of Addiction
Breaking the cycle of addiction can be done if someone has the right tools and guidance. Here are five tips to help you or someone you know:
Focus on Factors You Can Control
While we can’t control our genetics, we can control other factors that can impact our need to become addicted to alcohol or other substances. Avoiding people who may encourage you to use drugs or alcohol is something you can control. While you can’t change the people or things around you, you can change how you interact with them.
Provide a Positive Environment
Keeping yourself and loved ones in a positive environment can help in preventing addiction. Studies have shown that a community that provides healthy after-school activities can reduce someone’s vulnerability to drug addiction 3. There is also data to support that exercise can also discourage people from seeking out drugs and other substances.
Stay Away from Substances
Many people with a family history of substance abuse stay away from any type of substance altogether. This can include social drinking and having alcohol at any time. Knowing the temptation and the risk of addiction is enough for some people to not even be around alcohol at all.
Know the Signs of Addiction
Awareness of the signs of addiction can also help break the cycle. You may not even think you have a problem or may not recognize the signs in a loved one. Educating yourself on some of the red flags is extremely important.
There are many different signs of addiction, which can include: 4
- Not meeting work or family obligations
- Having an intense urge for drugs or alcohol
- Taking larger amounts of drugs or alcohol than intended
- Needing more of the substance to maintain the same effect
If you begin to notice these signs in yourself or a loved one, it’s time to take the next step…asking for help.
Get Help at Rehab
Getting help can be the hardest part of breaking the cycle of addiction. When you or a loved one decides it’s time to get help for an addiction, this can include a variety of treatments. Many people benefit from a variety of therapy sessions, detox services, support groups, holistic treatments, and rehab facilities. Once you admit that help is needed, you can begin to get on the path to sobriety and help break the cycle of addiction for generations to come.
Addiction Treatment at Clear Life Recovery
If you have a family history of alcohol or drug use, Clear Life Recovery can help you break the cycle of addiction. Our treatment programs are tailored to the individual because we know that each person’s addiction is different, so their path to sobriety needs to be different as well.
We offer alcohol addiction and drug addiction treatments as well as various therapy options, including holistic and nutrition therapy. Contact us today for more information on our programs, or contact us online. Our team is available 24/7 to get you the help you need.
Sources:
[1] https://www.apa.org/monitor/2008/06/genes-addict
[2] https://www.aacap.org/
[3] https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/genetics-epigenetics-addiction
[4] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/symptoms-causes/syc-20365112
