You may wonder, “Is alcoholism a genetic disease?” Alcoholism does have a genetic component, but it’s not just about genes. If a parent or sibling has struggled with alcoholism, your chances may be higher — but that doesn’t mean you’re destined to become an alcoholic.
Your environment matters too. Things like how you were raised, your social circle, stress, and personal choices all affect your relationship with alcohol. Even if you have a higher genetic risk, you can still avoid alcoholism by learning healthy ways to cope with stress and surrounding yourself with support.
Understanding both the genetic and environmental factors of alcoholism can help with prevention and recovery. If alcoholism runs in your family and you’re ready to break free, contact us at Avenues Recovery so we can guide you on your path to sobriety.
Alcohol Abuse and Genetics
Genetic factors of alcoholism play a significant role in a person’s risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD). Studies show that about 40-60% of the risk for alcoholism is inherited. However, addiction is influenced by a mix of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors.
If you have close relatives with alcohol addiction, you may have a higher genetic predisposition.
Variations in the ADH1B and ALDH2 genes impact how the body processes alcohol, which can influence drinking behavior. For example, some people experience unpleasant effects from alcohol (like flushing or nausea), making them less likely to drink excessively.
Genes that regulate dopamine, serotonin, and GABA (brain chemicals related to pleasure, inhibition, and stress response) can influence how alcohol affects mood and cravings.
Some genetic traits make people more prone to risk-taking and impulsive behavior, which can contribute to substance abuse.
Is Alcoholism Hereditary?
Some people ask, “Is alcoholism hereditary or genetic?” or “Does alcoholism run in families?” Alcoholism does have a hereditary component, and having a family history of alcohol use disorder increases the risk. Genetics play a role, influencing factors like brain chemistry and how alcohol is processed in the body, which may make some people more susceptible to addiction. However, genetics alone don't determine whether someone will develop alcoholism.
Environmental factors, personal experiences, and lifestyle choices are also important. Stress, peer pressure, and easy access to alcohol can all influence whether a person develops an alcohol use disorder. So, while genetics can increase risk, it’s a combination of both genetic and environmental factors that determines whether someone will become addicted.
Can A Person Be Born with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?
A baby will not be born with AUD, but they can be born with physical dependence on alcohol if their mother drank during pregnancy. Alcoholism during pregnancy can lead to withdrawal symptoms shortly after birth, and is often a sign of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), a serious condition caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. FAS is one of several disorders under the umbrella of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and is linked to a higher risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD) later in life.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in every 1,000 babies is born with FAS. The effects don’t necessarily end after the baby detoxes from alcohol; in fact, FAS can cause long-term physical, behavioral, and cognitive problems. The CDC also reports that at least six out of every 1,000 school-aged children live with FAS, highlighting its lasting impact well beyond infancy.
What Are the Chances of Inheriting AUD From Your Parents?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, genetics can account for up to 50% of a person's risk for developing an addiction, including alcohol use disorder (AUD). But it’s important to remember: While the gene linked to alcoholism must be inherited from a parent, having it doesn't guarantee someone will develop AUD. Environmental influences, combined with genetics - a field known as epigenetics - plays an even greater role in shaping how alcohol may affect a person's life.
Is Alcohol Tolerance Genetic?
Yes, there is a correlation between alcohol tolerance and genetics. Some people are naturally more tolerant of alcohol due to inherited traits which affect how their bodies process it. For example, certain genes control the production of enzymes like alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase, which help break down alcohol in the liver. Variations in these genes can cause alcohol to be processed more quickly or slowly, which affects how strongly a person feels its effects. People who inherit genes which help with alcohol metabolism may appear to have a higher tolerance because they don’t feel the effects as quickly or as intensely.
However, genetics alone is not the only factor. Alcohol tolerance also develops over time through repeated exposure. When someone drinks regularly, their brain and body adapt to the presence of alcohol, so it takes more to feel the same effects. This kind of learned or acquired tolerance can increase the risk of drinking more heavily, and potentially developing alcohol use disorder (AUD). So, while genetics can play a role in how tolerant someone is to alcohol, personal drinking habits and environmental factors are just as important in shaping a person’s overall relationship with alcohol.
Alcohol Use Disorder Risk Factors
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is influenced by genetics, brain chemistry, mental health, and environment.
- A family history of AUD, along with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder, can increase the risk.
- Alcohol affects brain chemicals like dopamine and GABA, which can lead to dependence.
- Additionally, starting to drink at a young age, especially during adolescence, also raises the chance of developing long-term issues.
- Social and emotional factors play a role too. Peer pressure, cultural norms around drinking, and past trauma such as abuse or chronic stress, can all lead to alcohol misuse.
- Personality traits such as impulsiveness, thrill-seeking, or low stress tolerance, as well as chronic pain, may also contribute.
Building a high tolerance to alcohol is an early warning sign. Recognizing these risks can help with early prevention and treatment.
Statistics of Alcoholism Running in Families
Formal research indicates that genetics contribute significantly to the risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD).
- According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), genes account for approximately 50% of the risk of developing AUD.
- A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that the offspring of parents with AUD had a 2.36 times higher risk of developing AUD themselves as compared to non-affected peers.
- Furthermore, when both parents suffer from AUD, the risk for their offspring increases to 4.64 times.
These findings underscore the significant role that family history plays in the likelihood of developing AUD.
What Are the Protective Factors for AUD?
Although learning about the genetic risk factors of AUD can be quite disheartening for those whose parents are alcoholics, there is reason to take heart! There are so many proactive, protective steps which can help people at risk of AUD strengthen and protect themselves from developing this disorder.
Strong self-control, healthy coping skills, and managing mental health challenges through therapy or stress-reducing activities like exercise or mindfulness, can all lower the chances of using alcohol to cope. Finding positive outlets for stress makes it easier to avoid drinking problems.
Supportive relationships and stable environments are also a huge factor. Family and friends who don’t drink, open conversations about alcohol and its risks, and involvement in school or meaningful activities all help. Being part of a community - especially religious or spiritual groups - can also offer meaningful support and reduce the risk of alcohol misuse. These protective factors help build resilience, even for those with a family history of AUD.
Help For Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medical condition that can range from mild to severe—but the good news is that it is treatable. The first step is recognizing the issue and being open to getting help. Treatment options for AUD vary based on individual needs and may include:
- Detox
- Rehabilitation programs (inpatient or outpatient)
- Therapy
- Medication
- Support groups, or a combination of these
Behavioral therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), help individuals change cognitive and behavioral patterns and develop healthier ways to cope with stress. The FDA has also approved several medications to support recovery, including:
- Naltrexone
- Acamprosate
- Disulfiram
Support systems play a crucial role in recovery. Many people benefit from peer-led groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery, which offer community, encouragement, and accountability.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Avenues Recovery
In more serious cases, inpatient rehab or structured outpatient programs like those offered at Avenues Recovery, may be necessary. If you or a loved one suffer from Alcohol Use Disorder, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery so we can guide you on your road to recovery. Our dedicated professionals have helped over 40,000 individuals transform their lives, and they can help you too. Alcoholism is treatable and you can prove it! Contact us today to join our vibrant recovery community and to begin your journey to health, happiness and sobriety.