Is an addictive personality always caused by genetics?

Question

I'm assuming it's probably not - if so, how does it develop, what causes it to develop?

I'm asking in Mental Health because you never seem to get many answers in Psychology. :)

Answer 1

It's been proved that addiction is not heritable. But addiction can be caused by your environment when you were young. If your parents were addicted to something, its more likely you will have addiction problems, by learning through your parents patterns of behaviour.

Answer 2

Addiction isn't really something that can be pinpointed to one cause, there are biological, environmental, social, and psychological reasons, that can lead to an addictive personality...some people start as kids and are pushed extensively by parents, teachers, coaches for perfection, they learn this early in life and will always that that personality that can manifest itself into addiction...people could come from a family of addicts and have that genetic gun loaded and pointed at their head, but if they don;t put themselves in that position, they may never become an addict...some people could not have any family history of addiction, but grow up where drugs or the drug culture, or whatever is glamorized and someone wants to "try" something and then bang..addicted....

No one can pinpoint the cause of addiction or an addictive personality, there are too many variables, but things like a genetic background with not only addiction, but mental illness, environment can be triggers and precursors.....

Answer 3

I think addictive personalities develop through things that influence you as you grow up ... Like your parents, choice of friends etc ... I don't think you're born with an addictive personality ...  

Answer 4

"ALWAYS" -- No.

However - One is Genetically "wired-up" to get Traits such as Addictions f& Depression, etc., from their parents.

In my own Family - I'm a heavy drinker,. like my Dad was, and my GrandDad was & a Depressive like my Grandmom.

My other Sisters are a Mix - with much less issues than me.

Of course, I still think their Dad was the Milk Man....

My GrandFather was also a Perfectionist & I have one Uncle with Sever OCD & the Other with a Perfectionist Compulsion, but My Aunt & Father - showed No Signs of this behavior.

An addictive personality can also have NOTHING to do with Genetics - but Environmental Influence --

Drinking Young can change your Brain Chemistry into an Addictive Behaviour.  Even if you get Sober, one may Still have Urges to fill the Void with other Addictions, etc...

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