What is Genetics Testing for Addiction

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What makes addiction an especially dangerous disease is that fatal overdoses are the leading cause of death among people under the age of 50 in the United States. Since addiction is tough to recover from, things like genetics testing for addiction can help you find out if you are at a higher risk. Substance abuse, addiction, and alcoholism are all common in the United States, as nearly 20 million Americans struggle with a substance abuse disorder annually. Even though addiction is a chronic condition, meaning that you have to manage your symptoms throughout your life to fully recover, you can beat addiction with proper addiction treatment programs in Utah.

Addiction and Genetics

Addiction occurs when you compulsively abuse drugs and alcohol despite wanting to quit using or dealing with serious negative consequences as a result of your use. Substance abuse disorders impair your judgment, impact your decision-making centers, and cause significant neurotransmitter imbalances. Since drugs and alcohol are neurotransmitter inhibitors, every time you use, your brain releases an overwhelming rush of pleasurable neurotransmitters. Once your brain associates your substance of choice with pleasure, your brain’s pleasure and reward center change. When you use your substance of choice, your brain releases neurotransmitters. But when you don’t use, your brain restricts the release of pleasurable neurotransmitters. Eventually, your mind can become unable to release neurotransmitters without your substance of choice. Addiction therapy services in Utah bring out the joys in a healthy life away from drugs and alcohol. Drugs and alcohol can also cause physical dependence, meaning that whenever you don’t use, you can deal with painful withdrawal symptoms that make it difficult to quit using without help. Common signs and symptoms of addiction can include:

  • Needing to increase your use to experience the same pleasurable effects

  • Inability to stop or reduce your substance use

  • Spending the majority of your time and money on drugs and alcohol

  • Showing up to work or school intoxicated

  • Driving while intoxicated

While the cause of addiction isn’t known, genetics testing can help identify if you are at an increased risk for developing a substance abuse disorder.

What is Genetics Testing?

So, what is genetics testing for addiction? Genetics testing programs in Utah check to see if you have a specific genetic makeup that makes you more susceptible to addiction. When you choose to undergo genetics testing, a medical professional will swab your cheek for saliva. It can take several weeks to get your results. Although genetics testing isn’t an exact science, genetics can be responsible for anywhere from 40% to 60% for addiction. Having specific genes can increase your chances of abusing substances like alcohol and opiates. Since many prescription medications, including painkillers, can cause addiction, genetics testing programs in Utah can help you, and your doctor develops a safe and effective treatment plan. If you obtain genetics testing before taking potentially addictive medications, it can limit your risk of addiction. If you have a predisposition to addiction, your doctor can work to develop a treatment plan that doesn’t include addictive medications.

Finding Help Today

Addiction can damage your personal life, cause financial debt, and prevent you from living your best life. Genetics testing can be a great way to find out if you may be at risk for developing a substance abuse disorder. Contact Acqua Recovery to find out more about genetics testing for addiction. Learn more about addiction and substance abuse treatment by calling us today at 866.830.4628.

What is Genetics Testing for Addiction

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Dr. Daniel Pickrell

Dr. Daniel Pickrell
Medical Reviewer

Dr. Pickrell is a board-certified psychiatrist with interests in addiction and psychiatry. He strives to identify the underlying cause of substance use. His understanding of addiction as the overlapping symptoms of biopsychosocial development is the foundation to his care model. He is committed to helping both patients and families understand that addiction is a treatable medical illness. He has been involved in the treatment of addiction for the last 17 years and completed his residency training at the University of Utah.

By: Acqua Recovery

Posted Date: Jan 28, 2023

Updated Date: Jul 12, 2024

What makes addiction an especially dangerous disease is that fatal overdoses are the leading cause of death among people under the age of 50 in the United States. Since addiction is tough to recover from, things like genetics testing for addiction can help you find out if you are at a higher risk. Substance abuse, addiction, and alcoholism are all common in the United States, as nearly 20 million Americans struggle with a substance abuse disorder annually. Even though addiction is a chronic condition, meaning that you have to manage your symptoms throughout your life to fully recover, you can beat addiction with proper addiction treatment programs in Utah.

Addiction and Genetics

Addiction occurs when you compulsively abuse drugs and alcohol despite wanting to quit using or dealing with serious negative consequences as a result of your use. Substance abuse disorders impair your judgment, impact your decision-making centers, and cause significant neurotransmitter imbalances. Since drugs and alcohol are neurotransmitter inhibitors, every time you use, your brain releases an overwhelming rush of pleasurable neurotransmitters. Once your brain associates your substance of choice with pleasure, your brain’s pleasure and reward center change. When you use your substance of choice, your brain releases neurotransmitters. But when you don’t use, your brain restricts the release of pleasurable neurotransmitters. Eventually, your mind can become unable to release neurotransmitters without your substance of choice. Addiction therapy services in Utah bring out the joys in a healthy life away from drugs and alcohol. Drugs and alcohol can also cause physical dependence, meaning that whenever you don’t use, you can deal with painful withdrawal symptoms that make it difficult to quit using without help. Common signs and symptoms of addiction can include:

  • Needing to increase your use to experience the same pleasurable effects

  • Inability to stop or reduce your substance use

  • Spending the majority of your time and money on drugs and alcohol

  • Showing up to work or school intoxicated

  • Driving while intoxicated

While the cause of addiction isn’t known, genetics testing can help identify if you are at an increased risk for developing a substance abuse disorder.

What is Genetics Testing?

So, what is genetics testing for addiction? Genetics testing programs in Utah check to see if you have a specific genetic makeup that makes you more susceptible to addiction. When you choose to undergo genetics testing, a medical professional will swab your cheek for saliva. It can take several weeks to get your results. Although genetics testing isn’t an exact science, genetics can be responsible for anywhere from 40% to 60% for addiction. Having specific genes can increase your chances of abusing substances like alcohol and opiates. Since many prescription medications, including painkillers, can cause addiction, genetics testing programs in Utah can help you, and your doctor develops a safe and effective treatment plan. If you obtain genetics testing before taking potentially addictive medications, it can limit your risk of addiction. If you have a predisposition to addiction, your doctor can work to develop a treatment plan that doesn’t include addictive medications.

Finding Help Today

Addiction can damage your personal life, cause financial debt, and prevent you from living your best life. Genetics testing can be a great way to find out if you may be at risk for developing a substance abuse disorder. Contact Acqua Recovery to find out more about genetics testing for addiction. Learn more about addiction and substance abuse treatment by calling us today at 866.830.4628.

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