AHS Views

Are some people genetically-disposed to addiction? In a recent review of medical literature, scientists isolated about 400 genes and chromosomes that may indicate that to be the case. But genes or no genes, it’s still going to be up to the individual to get the addiction help they need.

One of the major problems with the ‘gene’ theory is that it basically takes the control out of the hands of the individual. There’s not much a person can do about their genes, but they can do something about alcohol or drug addiction with the right treatment.

There are a lot of genetic predispositions to a lot of things - cancer, for example, is more likely to occur in people whose parents, grandparents, etc., had cancer. But does that mean they’re going to get it? Absolutely not. Neither does having ‘addiction genes’ mean that someone is going to get addicted.

The known facts are this: drug detox and drug rehab can help someone overcome addiction. And if they’re done right, your chances are pretty good. In fact, if you choose the right addiction help services - get into the right detox and rehab program for you -  and you really do the program thoroughly, you can beat it. Genes or no genes.