Do you believe that addictive personalities can be inherited?

[melanie2]

Both my parents had addictive personalities, my mother especially..can these traits be inherited? And can mental illness also be inherited?

 

[chicag0]

Alcoholism and mental illness can be genetic, as far as I know, but it's not a definite thing. If you're parents were both addicts, it doesn't determine your fate that you will be one as well.

My father is an alcoholic, but he is the only one that is from his side of the family. My grandpa and mother are probably alcoholics too, but my mother probably turned to alcohol due to mental issues as she's bipolar.

Mental illness also runs rampant in my family and while I'm no alcoholic, I have been treated for minor anxiety disorders in the past.

 

[melanie2]

yes indeed alcoholism ran in my father's family...all his uncles drank and died of consequences due to that..and my mother was diagnosed with depression with psychosis, however i'm convinced she was schizophrenic..i'm hoping it doesn't happen to me..i don't have the symptoms as of now..although i did go into a deep depression at one time..but the circumstances were unusual and horrific that resulted in that..

both my parents when diagnosed with various things immediately quit drinking..so how addicted they were to that i'm not sure..mom's problem was more on prescription pills such as xanax..which caused her downward spiral..i am super careful to never get addicted to meds..

 

[kopfhorer1]

I'm sorry to hear about what happened to your mom, Izzy.

 

[melanie2]

I'm sorry to hear about what happened to your mom, Izzy.

well mental illness is nothing to be ashamed about..however she was one of those type who had a phobia about anything to do with mental hospitals, psychiatrists and the like..plus she was damn super stubborn..she wouldn't get the help she needed..and was always forced into it..

anyway..thanks..she is finally at peace..

 

[TKLVR181]

Yes, addictive personalities can be quite genetic...mom, granma, grandad, dad, uncle, all were at one time addicted to one...chemical or another. I was lucky enough that my addiction happened to be on something as nice as this :ggrin:

~K

 

[Frost King]

My Dad has achoholism thats why i try not to drink too much

 

[AnnoXanti]

Such conditions are undeniably genetic.

But you see, I still believe in a person's capability to push the limits and go beyond impossible. Any human is capable to define himself and master his/her weaknesses. It would be tough, others fail, but it's possible. When you get plagued by these thoughts, just remember that Houdini had exceeded human limits... Never ever succumb to it.