Is Addiction Hereditary?

Looking at Your Family History

It can be widely speculated that addiction can be hereditary. If there are addicts in your family, it could be possible that their behaviors can be passed on to you, as well. When considering this, it is important to look at your family history, especially your parent’s. Numerous studies show the cause of addiction can be broken down to 50 percent genetic and 50 percent issues with coping skills.

Further studies have shown that children of addicts are up to 8 times more likely to also develop a substance use disorder. One study in particular took 231 individuals who had been clinically diagnosed with a substance use disorder and compared them to 61 people who did not have addictions. It looked at the close relatives of these participants—parents, siblings, and children—and concluded that it’s 8 times more likely for the children of addicts to also become addicts.

The genes that influence alcoholism can be expressed in a variety of ways:

  • Smaller amygdala: Individuals with a family history of alcoholism may have smaller-than-average amygdalae, the brain region associated with emotion and cravings.
  • Variety of warning signs: Those with genetic predisposition may have altered neurological warning signals that affect how their body reacts to alcohol consumption.
  • Abnormal serotonin levels: Serotonin regulates mood and is often associated with depression. Abnormal levels are common in those with a genetic predisposition to alcohol use disorder.

History of Mental Health

The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) reports a strong connection between mental illness and the use of addictive substances. Patients with mental health disorders account for 38% of alcohol consumption, 44% of cocaine use, and 40% of cigarette smoking. Mental health disorders and addiction frequently co-occur, often because of self-medication or addiction to prescribed medications.

Examples of self-medication include:

  • Using marijuana to cope with depression
  • Drinking alcohol to alleviate social anxiety
  • Using stimulants like cocaine or Adderall for energy and focus
  • Taking anti-anxiety medications like Xanax or Valium beyond prescribed doses

History of Abuse

The brain develops and strengthens neural connections during childhood. Experiences—positive or negative—can shape long-term brain structure. Childhood trauma or high-stress environments can disrupt this development and increase vulnerability to substance abuse later in life.

Abuse can also occur in adulthood. Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse at any age can take a deep emotional toll, often leading individuals to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol as a way to cope or forget the trauma.

Coping Skills Are Hereditary

Children often mimic what they see. If a parent uses substances as a coping mechanism, the child may grow up seeing this behavior as normal. Even if growing up with an addicted parent was painful, children may subconsciously repeat these behaviors.

Recognizing this cycle and actively teaching healthy coping mechanisms is key to breaking the chain for future generations.

About Cliffside Malibu

Addiction can be a family disease—not only because of enabling behaviors but because of inherited coping mechanisms and habits. Cliffside Malibu helps clients relearn these behaviors and replace them with healthy, life-affirming skills.

Each patient is carefully assessed upon entry, and a personalized treatment plan is developed based on the five stages of the Transtheoretical Model:

  • Precontemplation
  • Contemplation
  • Preparation
  • Action
  • Maintenance

Cliffside Malibu provides a full continuum of care, including medically supervised detox, residential treatment, day treatment, and outpatient services. Our program is designed to meet individuals where they are and support long-term recovery in a safe, structured environment.

For more information, visit cliffsidemalibu.com.