Addiction is a complex issue, affecting millions of people worldwide. Many of us have seen patterns of substance use problems across generations and asked: is it in our DNA?
Why do some people seem more prone to addiction than others? Is it all about genetics, or does our environment play a bigger role? Neuroscience and behavioural social science have been studying this question for years, and the answer isn’t simple.
Science now shows that addiction isn’t just about genetics OR environment - it’s a combination of both mixed in with the power of personal agency. Imagine it this way: your genes set the stage, but your surroundings, choices and habits determine the performance.
Research
shows genetics account for about 40-60% of addiction risk (Goldman, Oroszi, & Ducci, 2005). That's significant, but it also means that roughly half the picture comes from other factors outside your genetic makeup. Your environment growing up and your individual
behaviour and choices in the now are just as important.
Your genes are units of DNA passed down from parents. Genes carry the information that determines your traits, which are features or characteristics that are passed on to you — or inherited.
When we look at the genetics of addiction, it’s important to note that there isn't a single "addiction gene." Instead, we are talking about how multiple genes interact in complex ways to influence an individual's risk of addiction.
Genetics play a role in how people respond to substances. Some common ways it can vary experiences are:
Neurotransmitter
Regulation:
Some
people experience stronger effects from substances due to genetic differences in how their brains process dopamine, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters. Genes like DRD2, COMT, and SERT influence how efficiently these brain chemicals are produced, released,
and broken down. This can lead to:
Stronger "Highs":
Some individuals
get an intense rush of pleasure or euphoria because their brains release more dopamine or respond more sensitively to it.
Increased Reinforcement:
If a substance
feels especially good, the brain is more likely to associate it with pleasure, making repeated use more tempting.
Greater Risk of Dependence:
Over time,
the brain may adapt by reducing its natural dopamine production, making it harder to feel pleasure without the substance.
Metabolic
Differences:
How
fast and how the body processes substances. Some people have genes that mean substances hit harder or wear off quicker. Some (for
example 36% of East Asians) have a gene variation in the ALDH2 gene that effects how the body converts the toxic byproduct of alcohol and results in a buildup the toxin resulting in flushing, nausea, dizziness, and a rapid heartbeat—an unpleasant reaction
that discourages excessive drinking
Stress
Response Systems:
Your
body’s stress response is controlled by a network of hormones and brain chemicals that help you handle challenges. Genes related to this system, like those affecting cortisol (the primary stress hormone), can influence how intensely you experience stress and
are more
likely to use substances as a way to cope.
Impulsivity
and Decision-Making:
Variations
in genes related to dopamine regulation (like DRD2 and COMT) can affect how the brain processes rewards and consequences. This can lead to:
Stronger
Cravings:
A more reactive
reward system makes substances feel more rewarding, increasing the desire to use them.
Weaker
Self-Control:
Impairments
in impulse control make it harder to resist urges, leading to riskier decisions around substance use.
Thrill-Seeking
Behaviour:
Some genetic
profiles make people more drawn to exciting or risky experiences, including experimenting with alcohol or drugs.
These genetic factors don’t guarantee addiction, but they can make some people more vulnerable and shape a person’s relationship with substances. When combined with environmental factors like stress or peer influence, these traits can increase the likelihood of addiction.
While genetics provide the underlying blueprint for addiction risk, your environment plays an equally crucial role in determining whether genetic vulnerabilities translate into actual substance use disorders. Environmental factors can either amplify genetic risks, or provide protection against them.
Childhood experiences significantly shape addiction vulnerability. Secure attachments provide protection against addiction, while disrupted connections increase risk. Children who witness substance use at home often normalise these behaviours, making them more likely to develop similar patterns regardless of genetics.
Research shows that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) like trauma or abuse create cumulative risk - each additional ACE increases the likelihood of substance problems later in life by altering brain stress systems and promoting substance use as a coping mechanism. The effect of these unresolved traumas lay in our physiology until they are worked through. This often includes more than time or talk therapy but professionally led advanced trauma treatment.
At Noosa Confidential we, provide each guest with tailored resources to help minimise the impact of unresolved trauma on their overall well-being. Our approach is rooted in advanced, evidence-based therapies designed to facilitate deep healing without requiring guests to repeatedly relive or talk about their traumatic experiences. Unlike conventional talk therapy, which often involves rehashing past events over and over, our methods focus on building resilience and emotional regulation through therapies proven to rewire the brain’s response to trauma. These therapies include somatic-based practices, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), neurofeedback, and other cutting-edge modalities that help process trauma at a neurological level.
This approach allows guests to heal in a way that feels safe and empowering, without the risk of re-traumatisation that can sometimes occur with traditional narrative therapy. By addressing trauma in a more holistic and science-backed manner, we support long-term emotional and psychological well-being.
The
people around us and the culture we live in play a huge role in shaping substance use behaviours. Our friends, family, and community influence our attitudes toward drugs and alcohol, often affecting how we view and engage with them. When substance use is widely
accepted or normalised within a group, it creates an environment where using becomes more common. Studies show that teens are 1.5 to 5 times more likely to use substances if their friends do.
In
Australia, alcohol is deeply embedded in social culture, often seen as a central part of celebrations, bonding, and even professional networking. The pressure to drink can be intense, and those who choose not to - whether for personal, health, or recovery reasons - often
face judgment, exclusion, or even ridicule. This cultural expectation makes quitting or cutting back on alcohol particularly challenging, as sobriety is sometimes viewed as a rejection of social norms rather than a personal choice.
Adding to this, is Australia’s larrikin culture, where excessive drinking is often laughed off as just having a good time, and heavy drinking is not only accepted but encouraged. The common phrase "She'll be right" reflects a widespread attitude of brushing off concerns, including those about drinking or using substances too much. This mentality downplays the risks of misuse, making it harder for people to recognise when they or their loved ones may have a problem. Because of this, talking about drinking in a more mindful way—whether it’s moderation, addiction, or recovery - can be met with eye rolls or brushed off as being dramatic. This just keeps the cycle going.
Beyond social influence, availability and access are key factors. Whether it's prescription medications, alcohol, or illicit drugs, simply being around substances increases the likelihood of use - regardless of genetic predisposition. A study published in Addiction found that individuals who start drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence later in life compared to those who start at 21 or older. Not only does substance use become “a part of life” but it literally is rewiring the brain's system for continual use.
Broader social conditions also play a major role in shaping addiction risk. Financial instability can lead to chronic stress, making substance use a common coping mechanism. Neighbourhood conditions also matter - living in areas with high unemployment, limited resources, and visible drug activity increases exposure and can normalise use. Additionally, lack of access to healthcare, especially mental health services, means many people struggle with untreated issues, leading them to self-medicate with prescription or illicit drugs or alcohol. These factors combine to create environments where addiction becomes more likely.
Addiction is not solely determined by biology or environment - our behaviours and choices play a significant role in shaping our brain’s response to substances. We have agency and the ability to create healthy habits and patterns.
Avoid
early exposure to substances:
The
brain is more vulnerable to addiction at a young age, so reducing early exposure can lower the risk of long-term dependence.
Manage
stress healthily:
Using
exercise, therapy, or mindfulness as stress management techniques can prevent turning to substances as a coping mechanism.
Address
underlying trauma:
Rather
than avoiding or numbing pain with substances, confronting and healing from trauma reduces the need for substances to cope.
Surround
yourself with supportive, substance-free people:
Being
part of a positive, substance-free social circle helps minimise peer pressure and reinforces healthier behaviours.
Addiction isn't a simple choice or a predetermined genetic fate. It's a complex health condition influenced by the interaction between your biological makeup and your life experiences and your choices.
This understanding brings hope. Unlike your genetic code, many environmental factors and learned behaviours can be changed. Even for those with high genetic vulnerability, the right personalised supports and treatments can significantly reduce risk and support recovery.
So while you can't pick your genes, you do have power over many factors that influence addiction risk – your coping strategies, your environment, and when needed, the treatments you pursue.
Remember this: no single factor – not even genetics – determines your destiny when it comes to addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, Noosa Confidential is here to provide the support and guidance needed through both inpatient and outpatient programs. With over 15 years of experience in addiction rehabilitation, we have developed a refined, comprehensive approach to recovery.
At Noosa Confidential, we understand that breaking free from addiction requires more than just willpower; it demands a comprehensive, personalised approach that addresses all contributing factors.
We treat addiction at its root cause, recognising that genetic predisposition plays a role in substance dependence, but it’s often triggered or reinforced by environmental stressors and social influences. That’s why our programs go beyond conventional rehab. We focus on biological, psychological, and lifestyle factors, ensuring that every guest receives a tailored plan designed to heal the whole person.
Our treatment includes cutting-edge pathology testing to identify any underlying physical contributors to addiction, such as nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or chronic inflammation - all of which can impact cravings and emotional well-being.
Beyond the biological aspect, we address the environmental and social dimensions of addiction. Many people struggling with substance use come from high-stress environments, unhealthy relationships, or cultures where drinking and drug use are normalised. Our program helps guests identify and change these external triggers, equipping them with strategies to navigate social pressures and create healthier surroundings that support long-term recovery.
At Noosa Confidential, we provide one-on-one therapy with an integrated medical team, combining traditional and alternative treatments for a holistic recovery experience. Our approach includes:
Advanced
trauma therapies
such as EMDR, neurofeedback, and somatic-based practices to help rewire the brain’s response to stress and trauma without forcing guests to relive painful experiences.
Nutritional
therapy, detoxification, and physical wellness programs
to repair the body and restore balance.
Relaxation
techniques and emotional regulation strategies
to build resilience and reduce the risk of relapse.
Ongoing
aftercare support,
ensuring that recovery extends beyond the initial treatment phase.
We believe that recovery isn’t just about stopping substance use—it’s about creating a life where addiction no longer has control. By addressing the full spectrum of factors that contribute to addiction, Noosa Confidential provides guests with the tools, support, and long-term strategies needed for lasting transformation.
