Addiction itself speaks in volumes what it is about. If you have an obsession with something and it is causing deterioration in your body, you’re addicted.
If you have watched the movie ‘Beautiful Boy’, you would know what addiction is like. More so, if you want to get rid of it, we are here to help out!
According to statistical reports, the USA has a high level of illegal drug use. 2 out of 5 houses have alcohol problems.
The question arises: can addiction be hereditary? Well, it is a grey area. It is both a yes and a no.
Yes, as the dopamine receptors are in lower quantity in people with addiction. The hormone levels depend on environmental factors.
This leads us to wonder about the biological effects of addiction on the brain.
Biological Effects Of Addiction On Your Brain
The brain is the reservoir of the body. It is the central executive system of the body. Usage of substances that leads to addiction hampers the brain.
If the brain gets hampered, so will the rest part of the body.
Here, let’s have a look at the biological effects of addiction on your brain:
#1. Hampers the Motor Skills
The brain stem handles motor skills. It connects with the spinal cord and runs the movement of limbs.
It handles breathing, digestion, and blood flow. The addiction hampers these skills and affects day-to-day life functions.
#2. Restricts the Emotional Responses
The limbic system responsible for emotional responses also gets restricted. The feeling of pleasure, motivation, and love gets affected. People get numb to emotional feelings and the senses get clouded.
#3. Tampers with Senses
The most important part of the brain, the cerebral cortex, makes up most of the brain. It helps in cognitive processes, problem-solving skills, and decision-making ability.
The biological effects of addiction on the brain occurs. But it gives rise to the most important question of all: can addiction be passed down genetically?
Can Addiction Be Hereditary?
Addiction depends on various factors:
#1. Hereditary Factor
The dopamine level in addicted people is less than normal people. This comes from genes. But the urge to use substances comes from self -consciousness.
#2. Environmental Factor
People who have seen substance abuse are more likely to use it. It gives a ‘pleasure’ after getting addicted. Thus, they cave in if such things happen around. Environment plays an important role here.
#3. Memories
Some people have traumatic memories associated with addiction. Yet, they relieve their inner turmoil through addiction. Childhood psychoanalysis plays an important role in such cases.
Symptoms of Addiction
It is very important to acquaint yourself with the symptoms of addiction. This is the way you can overcome it.
Anyone who suffers from addiction doesn’t want to relapse. The family members too are very concerned.
The only way to help deal with it is early diagnosis. Look out for these symptoms:
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Spontaneous burst of anger
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Loss of appetite
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Abandoning family
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Cravings to use drugs/ alcohol
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Constant aches
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No concentration
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Constant isolation
Conclusion
The addiction problem is widespread throughout America. Almost 21 million Americans suffer from one type of addiction.
Many deaths occur due to drug overuse. Alcoholism results in 88,000 deaths each year.
Studies prove that people do have genetic factors with addiction. Someone growing up while seeing substance abuse around is likely to follow the same.
Yet, it is also not false that seeing adverse effects of addiction may lead to being sober for life.
Humans are complex beings and life decisions depend on many factors, but in the end, it is your decision. Blaming genetics to continue addiction is not an easy way out.
If you feel addiction is overpowering you, opt for help. Seek help and visit rehabs. They would help out!