Are Your Addictions Hereditary?

Written By: Indus Health Plus Doctors Team

Medically Reviewed | Based on Clinical Guidelines

Last Updated : 17 Jun 2021

Your physiology, looks, eye colour, health conditions, food preferences, habits and more are because of your genetics that you inherit from both of your parents. Knowing your genetics can give you a perspective to solve a lot of problems related to your health. Your genes can provide you with a blueprint to your lifestyle, you can plan your food and exercise according to what suits you the best. Knowing your DNA/genetics is quite easy - a simple, at-home test that takes a saliva sample is used to analyse your DNA and share a report about your Health, Nutrition, Fitness and Habits.

Genetic Testing Tells you About These Addictive Habits.

• Alcohol Dependence
• Caffeine Consumption
• Nicotine Dependence

How Genetic Test Helps Prevent or Quite Bad Habits

• If a high risk of alcohol dependency is reported in your genetic test, genetic counsellor will recommend ways of managing/quitting your alcohol addiction. In case, your alcohol dependence has already manifested or become unmanageable, you may be directed to medical treatment to help you quit alcohol
• If your report shows a high risk of caffeine consumption, ways to manage and lower your caffeine intake will be recommended based on the adverse health issues it’s causing
• In case of a high risk of nicotine dependence, you will be guided on how to prevent yourself from developing the habit. You will also be proactively careful if you are aware that you have that tendency. In case the addiction has already developed, you will be recommended on ways of quitting.

As most of these habits cause a bad effect on your health, and worsen all underlying health conditions that you already have. Additionally, addictions hugely affect your family’s happiness and health, along with draining out a lot of finances. Hence, it is in best interest to avoid these habits from developing. In case, you have a family history of smoking or drinking habits, you must take a genetic test to know about your susceptibility towards these addictions. Know more about the benefits of genetic testing here.