I am studying Social Work now that I am sober. My past degrees (while using) have helped me some, but not in the job world. I truly believe that most mental health issues and addictions are trauma based, although I believe that there may be a genetic component. It is hard to say. Neither of my parents are addicts, however, on my dad's side alcoholism is huge. That being said, there is also a lot of abuse on his side (generational).