While there are a number of factors that determine a child’s risk associated with substance abuse, there is strong scientific evidence that substance addiction is partially genetic. Does that mean that if you’re an alcoholic, your child is destined to be an alcoholic? No. But, a child whose biological parent or grandparent has been addicted to drugs or alcohol is at a four-time greater risk for becoming an “addict.”  And due to the nature of “addiction,” and its tie to the brain, if a person is biologically at greater risk for alcoholism, he or she is equally at greater risk for addiction to other substances as well.

Talk To Your Child (Without Judgment) About:

Family History: “Grandpa has heart disease and alcoholism.”

Health Risks: “Because of Grandpa’s health history, you are at an increased risk of developing not only heart disease, but becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol.”

Lifestyle Choices: “You may never get heart disease or become addicted to alcohol. But, the choices you make can help to protect you. To prevent heart disease, it is important you eat right, exercise and maintain a healthy weight. To prevent alcoholism, it is important that you not consume alcohol as a minor. Not only am I fully against underage drinking, but research shows that the earlier a person begins drinking, the more likely that person is to develop an addiction. Even as an adult, if you chose to drink alcohol, you will need to be extra careful, given our family history.”

If family history includes your own use of drugs or alcohol, you may want to hold-off on your “talk” until after you read the next Parent Tip on how to talk about your past use.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: www.niaaa.nih.gov

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence: www.ncadd.org