Genetics and Addiction: Is Alcoholism Hereditary or Genetic?

Genes alone don’t determine if you will develop an alcohol use disorder. Environmental factors and your ability to handle situations that could cause alcohol dependency are just as important. Family studies have consistently shown that alcohol abuse has a sizable genetic component. Multiple genes that contribute to susceptibility have been discovered over the past 20 years.

• The
  difficulties of genetic studies are compounded by environmental heterogeneity in
  access to alcohol and social norms related to drinking.
• Over the past two decades, several genes
  underlying susceptibility have been identified.
• Binge drinking is defined as four or more drinks on a single occasion for women and five or more drinks on a single occasion for men.
• Genetics are understood to be a component of AUD, but not the sole cause.

According to research conducted by the University of Texas at Austin, there may be a whole network of genes at least partially responsible for alcoholism. The research team obtained brain tissue from both non-alcoholics and alcoholics and then compared genetic code patterns from each. It indicates a particular formation of genes only found in alcoholics—not non-alcoholics. You will then receive personalized treatment tailored to your unique needs. We have effective programs led by experienced professionals to help you learn new life skills that will benefit you on the road to recovery.

Windward Way Recovery Can Help

Every person has about 20,000 and 25,000 individual genes that make up their unique and specific genome. Some of these genes control things like eye color, height, and hair color. DNA influences every square inch of your body, right down to the last particle. Those same genes influence your existence every day that you’re alive.

Scientists and those in the medical field know there’s too much riding on the answer to this one question. Genetics play a significant role in the risks of alcohol dependence and addiction. The study found that among identical male twins, if one had an alcohol use disorder, there was a 50 percent likelihood that the other would at some point in his lifetime. Among identical female twins, there was a 30 percent likelihood.

Alcohol Abuse Is Influenced by Environmental and Genetic Factors

In fact, new data suggests that there may be even more genetic variants involved in alcohol dependence. Many studies related to the children of alcoholic parents show there are genetic factors that influence alcoholism. In fact, some studies found that approximately 45% to 65% of risks related to alcoholism may be caused by genetic factors. These studies show that children with a family history of alcohol addiction are twice as likely as the general population to suffer from alcohol-related issues.

In 2006, National Institute on Drugs Abuse researched human genes to find out the reasons behind alcohol addiction. The genome study brought to light that inclination and vulnerability towards drugs and other substance abuse are influenced by strong genetic factors. An individual’s family history is not the only indicator of risk for alcoholism, but it is a significant factor. Clinicians should always take into account all of the known risk factors when assessing a patient’s risk for alcohol abuse. By doing so, they can provide the best possible care and treatment for those who need it. However, once an individual begins to regularly drink, their personal risk of developing alcohol dependence, then needing alcohol addiction treatment, is largely determined by their genetic makeup.

Stress

Inpiduals from families with an annual household income of more than $75,000 are more likely to become an alcoholic than those with lower means. Our genes determine our physical traits and to some extent, our behavioral characteristics. Genes are made up of DNA, the hereditary material that’s inherited from parents.

For many people, drinking alcohol is also a social activity and is perceived as a way to fit in, especially while underage. Still, there isn’t one specific alcoholic gene that makes a person addicted to alcohol. Instead, environmental and social factors play a large role sober house in the outcome. Co-occurring substance abuse and mental health issues are extremely common –  roughly 50 percent of people with severe mental disorders are affected by substance abuse. Self-medication for mental health problems is common and can lead to addiction.

Pay attention to your daily or weekly habits; this can give you an idea of your patterns and indicate whether or not you have a drinking problem. The analysis compared genetic variants from nearly 15,000 individuals diagnosed with alcohol dependence to nearly 38,000 people without such a diagnosis. Factors like your environment and your ability to handle situations that may trigger dependency are just as important. These are things that we can remain mindful of as we continue to develop an understanding of alcoholism on a personal basis. A study in Sweden followed alcohol use in twins who were adopted as children and reared apart.

Heavy drinking is defined as eight or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more drinks per week for men. Working in an office with an always-open bar, or living in a home with an always stocked liquor cabinet, makes it very tempting to drink too much. Tell them you’re not planning to drink, and explain why you’re making that choice. Keep tea, soda, flavored water, and other nonalcoholic options available. Experts say one of the best ways to reduce the burden of alcoholism is to keep young people from picking up the habit.