You can inherit many things from your family genetically, such as wide feet, freckles, red hair, and whether you are right or left-handed, just to name a few. But you can also inherit things that are more serious to your health. Some of these include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and an elevated risk for addiction.
So does that mean because Aunt Mary and Grandpa Jack struggle with alcohol addiction, you will, too? Does that mean you’re blessed with an alcoholic gene? No, not necessarily. But you are at a higher risk for it, unfortunately.
The good news is that it’s not a 100% guarantee. Like many things in life, the choices you make can help determine whether or not you develop alcohol use disorder (AUD). And, to go one step further, understanding your risk factors can help prevent alcohol addiction before it happens.
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Genes Associated With Developing Alcoholism
Numerous studies identify specific genes and genetic variations associated with an increased risk of alcoholism. One of the most well-known is the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) gene variant. This gene is responsible for the enzyme that breaks down alcohol in your body. If you inherit specific ADH gene variants, you may experience a slower metabolism of alcohol. This could lead to a more pronounced and prolonged intoxicating effect.
Two additional genes, ALDH1 and ALDH2, affect the risk of developing alcohol use disorder. In the case of these two genes, they actually may prevent you from developing an addiction. These genes affect how your body metabolizes alcohol. If you have certain mutations of these genes, you will have a higher buildup of acetaldehyde in your body when you drink, which is a chemical resulting from alcohol metabolization. In turn, these could lead to increased heart rate, flushing, and nausea.
Researchers have also identified several other genetic variations that may contribute to developing alcoholism. These include genes involved in your brain’s reward and stress systems. The dopamine receptor gene (DRD2) is the first identified gene associated with alcoholism. This gene affects your sensitivity to alcohol’s rewarding effects and stress response. It plays a crucial role in starting and sustaining alcohol addiction.
There have been several additional studies attempting to pinpoint alcoholic genes. Unfortunately, they have yielded inconclusive results. While research is ongoing, it’s safe to say that, based on some of the more conclusive findings, alcohol addiction definitely has a genetic component.
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The Role of Family History in Alcoholism
On the less sciency-side of answering the “Is alcoholism genetic?” question, there’s your family’s history. You’ve likely heard that alcoholism runs in the family. Unfortunately, studies have shown this to be true. In short, if you have close relatives who struggle with alcohol addiction, you are at a higher risk for developing the addiction, too.
Family history and alcoholism can be attributed to genetic and environmental factors. If you grow up in a household where alcohol abuse is present, then you’re likely exposed to various social and behavioral influences. The genetic link suggests that some predispositions can be inherited.
Research shows that children of alcoholic parents are four times more likely to develop alcoholism than the general population. This increased risk is due to environmental factors, as well as inherited genetics, influencing how your brain responds to alcohol.
Understanding your family’s history of alcohol abuse can help you make proactive choices in your drinking habits. In other words, you don’t have to follow in your family’s footsteps.
Environment vs. DNA
Yes, genetics plays a significant role in your risk of developing an addiction to alcohol. But it’s important to recognize that the relationship between genes and AUD isn’t that simple. You must also consider the environment.
Epigenetics refers to the study of how environmental and lifestyle factors can modify the expression of genes without altering the underlying DNA sequence. To put it more simply, your environment can influence the way certain genes related to how your body responds to alcohol can affect your risk.
For example, if you are exposed to chronic stress or trauma, your body can experience epigenetic changes. These changes could lead to a higher sensitivity to the anxiety-reducing effects of alcohol. In turn, you could become more prone to using alcohol as a coping mechanism, leading to addiction.
On the flip side, positive environmental factors can also influence your “alcoholic genes.” Some of these positive environmental factors include the following:
- a supportive family environment
- access to education
- engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviors
As you can see, answering the question, “Is alcoholism genetic?” is quite complex. While research points to the answer being “yes,” there are also factors that could steer you away from developing an addiction.
In the end, it’s essential to understand your family’s history of alcoholism and your environment. If you grew up in an unsupportive family or in an environment focusing on drinking, you’re at greater risk for addiction. And if your family members struggle with AUD, it’s important to make a conscious effort so you don’t do the same.
How Do You Know If You Have an Alcoholic Gene?
The world’s understanding of the genetic basis of alcoholism is still evolving. The potential for genetic interventions to prevent AUD is still being researched. There are promising avenues for exploring how genetic interventions can be used to break the alcohol addiction cycle.
Until we have solid research and methods to prevent alcoholism physically, the best thing to do is to be proactive. Educate yourself. Understand the signs and symptoms of alcoholism and be able to recognize if you have a problem. Surround yourself with supportive individuals, within and outside your family, who don’t center everything around drinking.
If you are worried about your genetic predisposition to developing an alcohol addiction and are concerned you may be relying too much on alcohol to get you through; early intervention is key.
At BOLD Health, We Can Help You Prevent and Overcome Alcohol Addiction
Reaching for a drink every day after work or when you feel stressed can be a red flag for developing alcohol addiction. Even if you don’t think you “have a problem,” recognizing your drinking frequency and desire to drink is the first step to preventing alcoholism.
Partnering with an addiction specialist, like our physician-led team at BOLD Health, can help you understand your desire to drink. Together, we can understand the “why” behind your drinking and help you develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Or, if you or someone you love struggles with alcohol addiction, we offer several options for alcohol treatment in San Diego. We can provide:
- alcohol detox
- individual therapy
- group therapy
- family therapy
- medication management
- intensive outpatient program (IOP)
Whether you’re seeking an alcohol rehab in San Diego or just looking for someone to talk to about your drinking habits, we’re here to help. Contact us to learn more about our alcohol rehab in San Diego and our multiple treatment options.