The role of genatics in the prevention of
The role of genetics in prevention
Substance use disorders can occur in families. Research suggests that genetics represents about 1-2 of a person's likelihood of developing a substance use disorder.
Genes are the functional units of our DNA that drive the development and functioning of every cell in our body. Some diseases, such as sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis, are caused by a "mutation" in a single gene. But many diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and substance use disorder, involve variations in many different genes that contribute to a person's overall level of risk and are also deeply influenced by lifestyle and individual choices.
While we can't change our genetics, knowing the family history of addiction enables us to make different decisions about the use of addictive substances.
Addiction has a ripple effect - when a person is struggling with substance use, it affects the lives of their family, friends and community. However, due to the stigma surrounding this disease, many families kept their experiences with addiction secret and sometimes even among themselves, for fear of being judged or discriminated against.
Information is power when it comes to genetic risk. Be honest with young people if they have a family history of addiction and help them reduce the risk of developing a substance use disorder by doing things like:
- Delay the use of substances until the brain matures.
- Learning skills to help you cope with stress and express emotions in a healthy way,
- and practicing ways to refuse drugs or alcohol if they are offered to you.
Caregivers can help strengthen protective factors for a young person at genetic risk of addiction,
- establishing clear expectations around the use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs,
- helping them find and perform activities they are passionate about, such as music, sports or art,
- and invest in healthy and resilient communities where young people can thrive and feel a sense of belonging.
Material developed by the Addiction Policy Forum(https://www.addictionpolicy.org/what-...) and the CADCA(www.cadca.org)
Legend: Núcleo Previna (https://www.previna.info)
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