Is Alcohol Addiction Genetic?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, individuals who grew up in a home with at least one alcoholic parent are four times more likely to struggle with addiction themselves later in life. This statistic raises a key question: could genetic alcohol addiction be to blame? While DNA always plays a crucial role in our development as people, certain environmental factors may also contribute to alcoholism. Is it nature or nurture? To answer that question, it’s important to understand the root causes of addiction and the role of addiction genetics.

 

Can Alcoholism Be Genetically Inherited?

Current research data suggests that the concept of genetic alcohol addiction could hold weight. A study led by researchers at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine found that specific genes, including those connected to alcohol metabolism and reward pathways in the brain, may contribute to the development of alcoholism.

Two examples include ADH18 and ALFH2 genes, which affect how the body processes toxins like alcohol and may be linked to an increased vulnerability—but why? Researchers believe people with these traits are prone to experiencing fewer negative side effects from alcohol consumption. With those effects weakened, many people may choose to imbibe more. Another genetic trait that could lead to alcoholism includes DNA markers linked to dopamine and serotonin, which are brain chemicals that affect pleasure feelings throughout the body.

However, correlation does not always equal causation: simply possessing these genes is not a guarantee that an individual will develop Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) or struggle with addiction. Factors like stress, trauma, or a lack of social support are important to note in this process. For example, a person might have a genetic predisposition toward alcoholism, but have a stable and safe environment, preventing the addiction from ever coming to fruition. On the other hand, an individual might have none of the DNA markers to indicate increased risk yet live with significant environmental pressures that lead to substance or alcohol abuse.

Is Alcoholism a Learned Behavior?

While genetics can play a significant role, alcoholism is more likely to be influenced by environmental factors. By normalizing certain habits, like drinking, parents teach their children these behaviors are okay to engage in, whether intentionally or not. Children tend to mirror the actions of their immediate caregivers. Additionally, parents with significant drinking problems may not be as in touch with their emotions and, as such, are utilizing alcohol as a coping mechanism. Without alternative self-soothing methods modeled by their parents, grown children of alcoholics may not have the skills they need to get through hardships or divorce themselves from childhood guilt from perceiving their parent’s drinking as their fault. In turn, these people might choose to turn to the bottle for relief, just as mom and dad did.

Additionally, peer pressure contributes heavily to learned drinking behaviors. Folks in communities where binge drinking is commonplace may feel compelled to participate to fit in, even if they lack the genetic markers that indicate the potential for alcoholism. A great example of this is in high school and college.

Peer pressure, whether internalized or externalized, is not the only factor to consider. Stress, trauma, and mental disorders also pose risks for learned alcoholic patterns. Many people facing hardship may turn to alcohol to self-medicate, which creates a cycle of dependence. A prime example of this is a person with anxiety reaching for a cocktail to help calm their nerves, unwittingly enforcing the harmful habit when the brain recognizes the substance as a reward.

Unfortunately, the nearly universal access to alcohol, combined with lax cultural attitudes toward drinking further reinforces these patterns. In societies where alcohol is widely available and heavily marketed in the media, individuals are more likely to view it as harmless or even an essential part of living.

Which Type of People Would Be Most Likely to Develop Alcoholism?

While, statistically, certain demographics and psychological factors increase the likelihood of genetic alcohol addiction, understanding these risks can help people take the proactive steps necessary to mitigate them. These risk factors include:

• Family History: If an individual comes from a long line of drinkers, they are four times more likely to develop an addiction themselves.
• Mental Health Conditions: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, and more, can often present as comorbidities with AUD. Individuals who struggle with these conditions, especially those who may be undiagnosed or unable to access treatment, usually turn to alcohol to cope.
• High-Stress Environments: People with lifestyles that are prone to chronic stress, like professionals in high-pressure employment positions (like frontline workers and corporate executives), those facing homelessness, or individuals living in abusive situations may find booze to be a stress reliever.
• Early Exposure: The adolescent brain, which is especially susceptible to the effects of alcohol, is still in development, with some experts at the National Institute of Mental Health suggesting it can take until their mid-to-late 20s to complete this process. That means kids with early alcohol exposure are more likely to develop an addiction later in life.
• Social Influences: Young adults learning to navigate social circles for the first time are at an increased risk of developing a dependence if they wind up in a group that heavily engages in binge drinking, such as college kids and recent transplants to new cities with a strong “pub culture.”

How Do You Know If You Have the Addiction Gene?

Identifying whether you carry the so-called “addiction gene” can be challenging, as it involves a combination of genetic testing and an analysis of family history. The alcohol addiction gene often manifests through observable patterns, such as a family history of alcohol misuse or addiction-related behaviors. This predisposition is sometimes linked to the broader concept of an addictive personality where individuals may exhibit traits such as impulsivity, compulsive behavior, or a strong reliance on substances for emotional regulation. Certain signs might suggest a genetic predisposition to alcoholism, including:

• Strong Alcohol Cravings: Feeling an intense desire to consume alcohol regularly.
• Difficulty Controlling Intake: Struggling to stop drinking once you’ve started.
• Family History: Relatives who have struggled with alcohol addiction may indicate a genetic link.

While genetic testing for specific markers like ADH1B or ALDH2 is available, it’s not commonly used in clinical settings for diagnosing AUD. Instead, assessing behavioral patterns and family history is often the most practical approach. Regardless of whether genetics play a role in genetic alcohol addiction, anyone experiencing symptoms of addiction should consider seeking professional help.

Overcome Genetic Alcohol Addiction With Help From WhiteSands Treatment

While 50-60% of all addictions can be influenced by genetics, recovery is possible with the right support and resources. At WhiteSands Treatment, our experienced team of professionals offers personalized care tailored to each individual’s unique needs. With state-of-the-art facilities, holistic therapy options, and a strong emphasis on family involvement, we’re dedicated to helping you overcome addiction and reclaim your life.

Don’t let genetic alcohol addiction or environmental factors define your future. Take the first step toward recovery by calling WhiteSands Treatment today at 877-855-3470. Our compassionate team is here to guide you every step of the way.

External Sources

• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – Study Identifies Genetic Variant that May Contribute to Alcohol and Drug Addiction
• National Institute of Mental Health – The Teen Brain: 7 Things to Know
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Children Living With Parents Who Have a Substance Use Disorder

 

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.