Is drug addiction hereditary?

Many Genes Influence Addiction. Scientists will never find just one single addiction gene. Like most other diseases, addiction vulnerability is a very complex trait. Many factors determine the likelihood that someone will become an addict, including both inherited and environmental factors. read more

Family studies that include identical twins, fraternal twins, adoptees, and siblings suggest that as much as half of a person’s risk of becoming addicted to nicotine, alcohol, or other drugs depends on his or her genetic makeup. read more

The Genetics of Drug and Alcohol Addiction The Role of Family History . Addiction is due 50 percent to genetic predisposition and 50 percent to poor coping skills. This has been confirmed by numerous studies. One study looked at 861 identical twin pairs and 653 fraternal (non-identical) twin pairs. read more

If a person starts out with a low genetic predisposition for addiction, he or she can still end up with an addiction. If a person repeatedly abuses drugs or alcohol as the result of environmental or other social factors, it can permanently rewire the brain. read more