Generational Substance Abuse

Studies show that substance abuse can be passed down from one generation to the next. While genetics can increase the likelihood of developing a SUD, other factors increase that risk, including:

• Harsh/controlling parenting
• Ineffective/poor parenting
• Trauma
• Emotional distress
• Learned behaviors
  
  

The effects of growing up with a parent with a substance use disorder can linger into adulthood. Adult children may carry the emotional weight of watching a loved one struggle with addiction, and healthy family dynamics, whether in their own families or others’ families, may sometimes feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable.

The good news is, generational substance abuse is a cycle that can be broken through awareness and treatment. We’ll cover different treatment options in the next lesson!