Genetic risk of substance addiction 'negligible when parenting is good'

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by Change | 11 Feb 2009

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A new study has found the genetic risks which create a tendency towards substance abuse can be overcome with good parenting.

New research shows genetic risks which contribute to substance addiction and abuse can be neutralised by good parenting, which could reduce the need for rehab clinic treatments.

A study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology has found those who have a natural disposition to this behaviour and poor parenting were three times more likely to perform it than those with supportive mothers and fathers.

Steven Beach, director of the University of Georgia Institute for Behavioural Research and distinguished research professor at the psychology department of its college of arts and sciences, claims the genetic risk can be reduced to "effectively zero".

"With this study and previous studies looking at environmental risk factors such as poverty, we're finding that in many cases the best way to help children is to help families become more resilient," he states.

The study focused on 253 African-American families in rural Georgia over a four-year period, collecting saliva samples in order to perform genetic tests.

Vivian Coeur, a licensed clinical professional counsellor working at the Western Illinois University Alcohol and Other Drug Resource Centre, has told the Western Courier that there has been an increase in the number of students seeking rehab clinic help voluntarily.

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