Genetics have a 40% to 60% influence on addiction. This fact helps explain more about why addiction is called a family disease. While there is no denying other factors like mental illness and your environment can influence addiction, genetics play a significant role. Although you cannot change your genetic makeup, this fact can help you be more aware of how your addiction is a family disease.
Sequoia Recovery Centers offer medically supervised detox in Washington to help you break free of your addiction. Overcoming addiction and subsequent withdrawal symptoms can be challenging, especially all on your own. Our medical detox treatment helps patients safely and effectively detox so they can continue to start addiction treatment and work towards long-term sobriety. In this article, you’ll learn more about why addiction is called a family disease/ the family disease model, what causes addiction, and more.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact us to learn how you can start your addiction recovery journey today. Sequoia Recovery Centers is a drug and alcohol detox program in Spokane that can help during the recovery process.
What are the Causes of Addiction?
While there is no one particular cause for developing an addiction, several risk factors increase and influence a person’s likelihood of developing an addiction. Below are some common factors that can increase a person’s chance of developing an addiction.
Family History
Ever wonder “why is addiction called a family disease?”. Genetics play a significant role in developing an addiction. While you can still become an addict without any family history of addiction, those who have a past relative who struggled with addiction are at an increased risk.
Environmental Factors
Several environmental factors can influence you to develop an addiction. Common examples like peer pressure, accessibility and abusing substances at an early age, and a lack of family involvement are all environmental risk factors that can raise your risk of developing an addiction.
Mental Illness
Mental illness can also increase a person’s likelihood of developing an addiction. Co-occurring disorders (a disorder in which a person has both a mental health disorder and substance abuse disorder) are common. Frequently, an individual struggling with an untreated mental health disorder may turn to drugs and alcohol as a means to cope with their condition.
Taking a Highly Addictive Substance
The substance you abuse can influence your chances of developing an addiction. Unfortunately, some substances are highly addictive (cocaine, heroin, etc.). Therefore, even if you do not have any family history or mental illness, experimenting and consuming highly addictive substances can lead to dependency.
Why is Addiction Called a Family Disease?
Addiction is called a family disease because genetics play a significant role in developing an addiction. While this doesn’t mean those who don’t have a family history of addiction are immune to developing an addiction, this does mean that those with a family history should be aware of this risk factor.
Additionally, addiction being referred to as a family disease does not mean if you have a relative who suffered from addiction that you will automatically struggle with an addiction family disease.
Is Addiction Hereditary?
Genetics plays a role in addiction; however, genetics alone is not the sole risk factor for developing an addiction. As referenced above, there are several risk factors that can cause addiction from environmental risk factors to mental illness and more.
That being said, if you know you have a family history of addiction and are addicted to drugs and alcohol yourself, it’s essential you seek professional treatment to safely and effectively break free of your addiction. While your genetics play a role in developing addiction, they are by no means your destiny. There are countless addiction treatment centers that offer a range of treatment options to help you quit and take back your life.
How to Find Family-Centered Addiction Treatment
Addiction is a debilitating disease that can be caused by a variety of risk factors. If you are struggling with addiction, there are countless addiction treatment centers available to help you on your road to recovery.
Detoxing and safely overcoming your withdrawal symptoms is one of the first steps an addict must take on their road to recovery. At Sequoia Recovery Centers, we offer customized detox treatment services so patients can receive the exact care and support necessary to safely detox. From medications to group therapy, individual therapy, and more, we’re here to help in your recovery journey. Struggling with addiction? Unable to quit on your own? Contact us today and take the first step toward a happier, healthier life.
