Did you know that you are at a higher risk of developing a problem with alcohol if your family members have struggled with alcoholism in the past?

It’s true–genetics and alcoholism are related. But even though you may have family members who’ve struggled, it doesn’t mean you will. The risk is higher for you to develop alcoholism if you aren’t careful.

Keep reading to learn more about alcoholism and genetics!

Alcoholism and Genetics

Did you know that our genes determine our human traits? The DNA within us creates our physical characteristics like eye color and also behavioral traits like aggression. Genes can be passed on to us through our parents.

A behavioral trait that a parent can pass to a child is their tendency towards addiction and alcohol abuse.

Those who are abusing alcohol tend to be people who are genetically predisposed. These people have an increased risk of becoming an alcohol addict.

People can inherit alcoholic tendencies, but the development of a disorder is dependent on a few social factors.

Those who have inherited genes that make them susceptible to alcoholism may never take a drink in their life or are responsible drinkers. It depends on the person and the social factors surrounding them.

The “Alcoholic Gene”

With alcoholism, there isn’t one gene responsible for it. Many genes in a person’s DNA could increase the risk of developing an addiction.

Identifying these genes is difficult. Each one plays a small role in a much bigger picture. In reality, various combinations of genes have a strong relation to alcoholism.

Behavioral genes passed down could influence one’s risk of turning to alcohol to cope with stress.

Mental illnesses like schizophrenia and depression are common with people who have a family history of alcoholism. People with mental illnesses turn to substance abuse as a way of coping. The bad news is that these mental disorders can be passed down through the family, which can indirectly result in a family history of substance abuse.

Environment vs. DNA

Genetic makeup can account for half of the alcoholic equation. Other environmental factors can lead to alcoholism like stress, work, and relationships.

Did you know that people who drink early in adolescence are more likely to develop a substance abuse disorder like alcoholism than those who avoid drinking until they are at a legal age?

History of abuse of children can affect their decisions in the future. Children who grew up in a stressful home and were abused are at a higher risk of developing alcoholism. This is their way of trying to self-medicate and cope since they didn’t develop healthier coping mechanisms at home.

Those who have been diagnosed with mental health problems tend to have difficulties with alcohol. In particular, psychiatric conditions like anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia place a person at an increased risk. Some believe alcohol may help their symptoms, but it doesn’t.

Our hereditary behaviors interact with our environment, and they create the origin of our decisions. Some people tend to be more sensitive to stress, and it may be more difficult for them to cope in a fast-paced job.

However, even people with high genetic risk to substance abuse still must be driven by a nonhereditary reason. The launching catalyst that leads to abuse tends to be environmental, like work-related stress.

Environmental factors that are risky for people whose family have trouble with alcohol include: easy access to drugs, sexual or physical abuse, and pressure from peers.

Can Our Genes Affect Alcohol Treatment?

Scientists are investigating how genes can influence the effectiveness of treatment for alcoholism. Some drugs have shown to help but not all, with reduce drinking. Patients with this disorder need a variety of treatment.

Doctors who understand how genes influence treatment outcome can better prescribe treatment for each patient.

What is Addiction?

To fully understand the mechanisms of alcoholism, it’s important to understand addiction.

Addiction is a chronic disease of the brain affecting the motivation and reward centers. Scientists have argued and challenged the hereditary and genetic parts of addiction, particularly as it relates to the development of the brain.

Alcoholism can be linked to individual genes. If you have a parent or sibling who struggles with alcohol abuse, then chances are you may struggle as well in the future.

If you are stressed and feel like turning to alcohol, why not try a chiropractic treatment? They are known to help with stress and anxiety and are certainly less harmful than alcohol.

How to Manage Alcoholism and Abuse

Genetics, heredity, and environmental factors form a complicated relationship, and they affect a person’s life. It may lead someone to struggle with alcohol. Some may end up with an addiction.

There are detox programs that have medical supervision to help those who are struggling.

If you can’t go to a detox program, social support and therapy are also great routes for those struggling with addiction. This will help the individual maintain sober and avoid triggers for relapse while surrounding the individual with nonjudgmental people who understand their experiences.

Alcoholism is Not Your Destiny

There is research out there that suggests alcohol consumption is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some studies might show that genetic factors play more of a role.

The thing is, even if your genetics show that alcoholism could be a problem down the road, it isn’t your destiny. This is just showing that you are at risk for developing it and it’s a risk you need to be aware of. If you have family members that are alcoholics, you will be able to use that knowledge and be careful when consuming beverages. It doesn’t mean you are going to become an alcoholic.

If you are able to handle stressful situations, then you may not turn to alcoholism to self-medicate. The key is self-awareness, so try and remain aware of when you are feeling stressed and seek professional help if you are worried.

If you are struggling and are seeking life transformation recovery, seek professional help.

Alcoholism is Not Solely Determined by Genetics

Alcoholism and genetics are connected, but even if you have had a family member who is an alcoholic, it doesn’t mean you will become one. There are preventative measures you can take.

Do you want to learn more about health and how to cut back on drinking? Why not try drinking tea instead of alcohol! There are tons of health benefits and lower caffeine than coffee. Read this article we wrote about it!