Experts suggest that there’s a strong connection between addiction in teens and their families. Adolescents are the product of the homes in which they grow up and the people with whom they surround themselves. Addiction and family go hand in hand, which is why family therapy is an important substance abuse treatment.

The Genetic Link Between Addiction and Family Members

Studies show that there’s a link between genetics and addiction. Basically, people whose families have a history of substance abuse are more likely to develop an addiction. Experts are hard at work to isolate the genes that increase the risk, but they haven’t had a significant breakthrough.

Does the genetic link mean that anyone with a family history of substance abuse will develop an addiction? Thankfully, that’s not how addiction works. People still have the choice not to use drugs. Without using drugs, they won’t develop the addiction.

The fact that people have a choice makes genetic addiction different from other genetically inherited conditions. For example, some people inherit traits of mental disorders from their parents. Unfortunately, there’s nothing that they can do to stop it.

Family and Environment

Despite genetics being a factor, they aren’t the only element that links addiction and family. The saying that kids are a product of their environment is true in this respect. Growing up in an environment in which parents abuse drugs makes teens more likely to do it as well. The reason is that in-home drug abuse teaches them that using drugs isn’t bad.

However, not all of the blame can go onto the family. Teens also receive a lot of influence from their friends. People who hang out with those who do drugs are more likely to do drugs too. While addiction and family have obvious effects, there’s also a connection between teens and their friends.

Family Therapy Can Help

The link between family and addiction is pretty apparent. Thankfully, rehab centers have ways to help people who are in these situations. Family therapy is one that helps not only those with addiction but also their family members. When dealing with addiction, addressing the root problem is the only way forward.

Family counseling also serves as an educational course for people who don’t know much about addiction. In many cases, parents aren’t even aware that their behavior puts their teens at risk. Enrolling in family therapy can reopen lines of communication between teens and their parents too.

Overcome Addiction With Our Help

Are you looking for teen therapy services NC has to offer? Look no further than Foothills at Red Oak Recovery. We specialize in providing substance abuse, mental health, and eating disorder treatments for teens. Some of the programs that we offer include:

• Individual counseling
• Family therapy
• Group counseling
• Process addiction treatment
• Trauma treatment

Learn more about the connection between addiction and family members. Let us show you how family counseling can help. Reach out to our staff today at 866-305-9078 to learn more about Foothills at Red Oak Recovery and how we can help.