Substance abuse results from a complex interaction of the individual, the family, the peer community, and a variety of societal factors. The result of various surveys through the years shows that substance abuse is generational. When there is a history of substance abuse in the family, it substantially increases the risk for abuse and dependence to continue among the members of a family.
There are two risk factors that are important in the family regarding substance abuse — genetics and family dysfunctions. Although genetics play a substantial role in substance abuse, the family environment often promotes and protects the substance abuser and the disease.
In 1990, research discovered that the D2 dopamine receptor was linked to severe alcoholism. The brain of a substance abuser has the A1 variation of the DRD2 gene with fewer dopamine receptors in the pleasure center of the brain. So the individual who becomes addicted to drugs to increase the dopamine levels to compensate for that deficiency.
Genetics contribute to substance abuse vulnerability on a variety of levels. There are genetic influences that contribute to the initiation of drug and there are different genetic influences that contribute to actual drug use and addiction. Drug pharmaco-dynamics influence the “sensation-seeking” personality traits which a genetically vulnerable individual has. This vulnerability exacerbates drug toxicities and minimizes any type of protective factor against alcohol poisoning or hangovers.
Problematic family and partner conflicts increase the risk for substance abuse. A survey showed that teenagers who argued with their parents several times a week had a greater likelihood of having used marijuana in the past year than when there was little or no conflict in the home. It is not only the presence of conflict but it is the absence of love and care that increases the risk for substance abuse in the family.
Research is scant but childhood abuse appears to, again, place the abused at risk, be it as a teenager, as a young adult, or as an elder adult. The abuse of drugs can be an effort to self-medicate in attempting to erase the emotional pain associated with the abuse.
