However, long-term studies attempting to link personality traits to drug and alcohol addiction have found no behavioral factors which reliably differentiate abusers from nonabusers. Although antisocial behavior and depression have been suggested as predisposing characteristics, they appear to follow, rather than precede, drug and alcohol dependence. The studies found that the major predictors of alcoholism were a family history of alcoholism, and growing up in surroundings where childhood alcohol use was banned but heavy adult use and frequent intoxication were accepted. A similar pattern for drug abusers may well exist. Genetic Factors Research into the genetic basis for drug abuse is still in its infancy, so little information is available.
Abused substances vary from year to year, obscuring a family's patterns of use.
Studies of twins and the adopted children of alcoholic parents confirm a genetic predisposition to alcoholism, and a number of researchers are now seeking a genetic marker for this disease. More recent studies suggest that children of alcoholics may also be at higher risk for other kinds of substance abuse. This research, though preliminary, supports the hypothesis that the offspring of drug and alcohol abusers may run a greater risk of developing drug problems. Inc. All Rights Reserved.