The Relationship Between Addiction And Genes

Until recently most people though that addiction was caused by oneself! People are responsible for what they do and hence any addiction should have been caused by themselves. However, some studies have shown that this might not always be the case. ]

Research in this subject has shown a direct link between genes and addiction. While this may not be true in all cases, there is a certain genetic component attached to addiction. Studies with twins have shown that if one twin develops an addiction the other is likely to develop one as well.

However, a child may not necessarily become addicted to any substance just because he/she is predisposed to it. Human thought and capacity also play a big role in addiction. Some people know when to stop and can control their usage of any substance. Ultimately, one has to learn the process of addiction in order to become addicted. Addiction to alcohol, eating disorders and smoking could quite possibly be genetic in some cases. There is a proof that if a parent is an alcoholic the likelihood of the child becoming one increases fourfold.

Prevention Of Relapse

Addiction is a chronic problem and getting rid of it not that easy. The statistics for relapse cases are not good. Many people tend to relapse into their old habits after quitting. This is quite common among smokers as well. People who quit smoking often relapse within a few months. This is due to habituation and constant presence of peers who smoke. Drug addicts and alcoholics also tend to relapse quickly. In most of these cases the usage of substances increases.

People who relapse can drink or drug themselves to near death. Studies indicate that people with an opiate addiction suffer from an 85 percent chance of relapsing. The influence of alcohol is very individual and depending on the person the rate of relapsing varies from 30 to 70 percent. Various drugs are being developed to counter this problem and in due course these should bring down the instances of addiction relapse.

Psychiatric and mental problems are often cited as one of the primary causes for this occurrence. People with anxiety issues and problems in their lives are far more likely to go back to their old habits. Bipolar disorders and other similar conditions can also cause a person to relapse.

Unsurprisingly, social factors also play an important part in this. Friends and peers often force or cajole a person to go back to their old habits. Sometimes happy events can also cause a person to relapse. Many alcoholics tend to start drinking again during stressful times such as marriages or during divorces. Personal problems are among the most significant causes of drug and alcohol relapse. Seeking treatment as soon as possible is the best idea. Before the situation gets out of control, the addiction must be treated.

Adolescent Addiction

Adolescent addiction is on the rise and this is evident through the various problems which are often highlighted in our society. Teen addiction is a big danger and parents have to monitor their children at all times.

Understanding the stresses and personal factors which push teenagers into such addiction is important. If the addiction is identified at an early stage it can dealt with in an effective manner. Many teens tend to experiment and fall under the pressure of peers.

Experimentation: Some experiments are dangerous and can lead to alcohol and drug addiction. Marijuana usage among teens is on the rise and studies have predicted that this situation will continue to escalate. Family history and parental pressure also pushes teens towards addiction.

Family Pressure And History:  Most of them try to combat the problems in the family by indulging themselves with these substances. If drugs are avoided at an early stage the children will probably not get addicted as the years go on.

All the various forms of addiction are dangerous and among them drug abuse considered to be the worst form of addiction. Parents, friends and family should support and help anyone who has fallen under the spell of these deadly substances.

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