Does Addiction Run in Families? Family History and Your Risk

Addiction runs in families. Genes account for roughly 40 to 60 percent of a person's risk, according to twin and family studies. That is important information, but it is not destiny.

What family history means

Having a parent or sibling with a substance use disorder raises your risk. Genes can shape how strongly alcohol or drugs affect you, how quickly tolerance builds and how intensely cravings are felt.

Genes are only part of it

Childhood trauma, early first use, mental health conditions, stress and social environment all add to risk. Protective factors such as supportive relationships, delaying first use and treating anxiety or depression lower it.

How your provider uses it

• Screening for risk earlier and more carefully
• Choosing pain medicines and other treatments with care
• Watching for depression, anxiety and other conditions that often run alongside
• Guiding conversations with your children about their own risk

Share it at your visit

Tell your provider about addiction, mental illness and suicide in your family. It helps build a plan that fits you.

Help at Hope Addiction Medicine

Our team combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies, in person at our West Ashley office in Charleston and by telehealth when appropriate. New patients are often able to be scheduled within a week of requesting an appointment. Request an appointment or call our office.

This article is general health information and does not replace advice from your own provider. Never start, stop or change a medication without talking with your prescriber. If someone may be overdosing, call 911 and give naloxone if you have it.