Because it just isn’t that simple.
Research shows that addiction -no matter if it is drug, alcohol or sex addiction – has genetic underpinnings, which supports the idea that addiction is a biological disease. Studies have shown that when someone has an addicted parent, or when their genetic twin is an addict, they are more likely to develop a form of addiction too. It is important to note, that when there is addiction present in the family, it is not just the genetics which play a role in the addiction being passed on to the children. The environment in which the children are growing up make them more susceptible to having addiction problems later on in life.
Some of the latest research on the biology of addiction has focused on the brain. Studies have shown that the brains of addicts respond differently than non-addicts’ brains do. For example, research shows that in addicts’ brains, the areas that involve self-control are sometimes less efficient than non-addicts. In a sense, addicts are predisposed to developing a self-control problem at some point in their lives. Non-addicts have an “off switch” in their brain which tells them when to stop drinking or stop engaging in any other dopamine producing activity. In an addict’s brain, this “switch” is broken.
This science that tells us about the differences in an addict’s genetic makeup and brain circuitry is extremely helpful information for both addicts and mental health professionals. The more we can understand about addiction, such as why it happens and who is especially susceptible to the disease, the more we can prevent and manage it.
Let’s turn back to the diabetes example. If your father has diabetes, you are at an increased risk of getting diabetes. However, the disease does not have to affect your life, if you intervene and prevent it from doing so. You can eat a healthy diet, stay away from sugars and carbohydrates, and exercise regularly. By following those steps, you can take steps toward preventing diabetes from affecting your life..
Being predisposed to a disease, even one as serious as addiction, is not a reason to feel discouraged. This powerful information can help you understand your addictive and impulsive behaviours, and should encourage you to seek treatment that will help you successfully manage your health and your life.
