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I've heard pro and con that addiction to whatever is genetic kind of like balding. Has there been a defentive to prove yes or no? (lemmy.world)

submitted 3 days ago by Patnou@lemmy.world to c/askscience@lemmy.world

10 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Like lets say I have a kid. And wait till he's 10 or something and sit him down and explain drug use or alcoholism, and pretty much tell him he's screwed due to a lineage of addicts?

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[–] otter@lemmy.ca 15 points 3 days ago

There are genetic components that make the condition more likely, but it won't cause someone to become an addict.

I think you are referring to studies like this one: https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2023/03/new-nih-study-reveals-shared-genetic-markers-underlying-substance-use-disorders

scientists have identified genes commonly inherited across addiction disorders, regardless of the substance being used. This dataset – one of the largest of its kind – may help reveal new treatment targets across multiple substance use disorders, including for people diagnosed with more than one. The findings also reinforce the role of the dopamine system in addiction, by showing that the combination of genes underlying addiction disorders was also associated with regulation of dopamine signaling

So our genetics will determine how the dopamine pathway runs in each person. Some people might be making more or less dopamine, might be more or less sensitive to dopamine, etc.

There are also social factors that will play a role in this. Someone that is struggling with addiction, might place the child in an environment where they are more likely to become addicted in the future. Even with that, it's not a certainty. There are plenty of former addicts that get the help they need and raise children in wonderful and loving homes :)