Is Alcoholism Hereditary?
Alcoholism is a complex disease, and it’s often not possible to neatly say that this one thing or problem is what caused the alcohol use disorder directly. Still, a mountain of evidence over the decades has made it clear that alcoholism has a hereditary component, and if you’re wondering does alcohol addiction run in families, the answer is a clear yes. To understand what’s happening and how best to help a loved one with addiction, it’s important to know how genetic and familial predispositions can pave the way to a problem with alcohol and how those factors must be addressed in treatment.
Table of contents
» Is Alcoholism Caused More by Genetics or Environment?
» Can Growing Up Around Alcohol Abuse Increase Your Risk?
» What Are the Signs That You May Have a Genetic Predisposition to Alcoholism?
» What Mental Health Conditions Are Linked to Alcoholism?
» Key Takeaways on Does Alcohol Addiction Run in Families
» Resources
Is Alcoholism Caused More by Genetics or Environment?
So, does alcohol addiction run in families? Absolutely. Research has made it clear that genetics and environmental factors can both significantly affect the risk of a person developing an alcohol problem. There are clear links in risk, such as in research of adopted kids who were found to be much more likely to eventually develop an alcohol use disorder if their biological parents also had drinking problems, even though they weren’t raised by these parents or even raised together with the same adoptive parents. There are also strong connections between the family history of alcohol problems and future generations struggling with similar issues.
Overall, researchers now believe that about half of the risk for someone to develop an alcohol addiction comes down to genetic factors, which is why it can’t be ignored as a risk factor for this problem. Still, there are clear signs that this isn’t just a genetic issue, such as identical twins when only one has alcohol use disorder while the other doesn’t struggle with drinking.
There’s also not just one “alcoholism gene,” though there are some genes that have been identified that seem to be related to risk for alcoholism, such as ADH1B and ALDH2. Studies of twins have suggested that somewhere between 45 percent and 65 percent of the risk for alcoholism owes to genetic factors.
Still, it’s important to understand that having a genetic predisposition isn’t what actually causes alcohol addiction, and that’s why siblings or family members might be fine and not struggle with drinking while their sibling or loved one has an alcohol problem, even if they grew up in the same household.
Social and environmental factors are also strong determinants of the risk of alcohol addiction, so understanding the main triggers for alcoholics also requires understanding just how important a person’s social and personal life can be in this problem as well.
Can Growing Up Around Alcohol Abuse Increase Your Risk?
If you’re still wondering does alcohol addiction run in families, it’s crucial to understand just how much growing up around alcohol abuse can increase your risk of having alcohol problems in the future.
Several things can increase a person’s risk in cases like this, especially if:
- They have an alcoholic parent who is depressed, anxious, or suffering from other mental health disorders.
- Both of their parents are abusing alcohol or drugs.
- Their parent’s (or parents’) alcohol abuse is considered to be severe and ongoing.
- They frequently experience conflicts, aggression, and violence in their family life while growing up.
It’s estimated that someone who grows up the child of an alcoholic is about four times more likely than others to develop alcohol problems eventually. In addition, growing up with parents who are struggling with alcohol addiction can make people much more likely to struggle with behavioral and emotional issues, including mental health disorders.
Still, not every child of an alcoholic parent will grow up to have alcohol problems, which points to the fact that alcoholism is related to both genetics and family history as well as other environmental or social factors.
What Are the Signs That You May Have a Genetic Predisposition to Alcoholism?
There are several warning signs that you may have a genetic predisposition to alcoholism, including the big one: Having a family history of alcohol addiction, whether it’s your parents or other close relatives. Quite often, families will include several members who struggle with alcohol abuse and alcohol use disorder.
If you know you have this family history, it’s crucial to be proactive about it to reduce your risk of developing problems. This includes many preventative steps, such as avoiding underage drinking, and then choosing to drink only rarely or moderately as an adult (or, even better, not drink at all) to avoid risky drinking behaviors that can lead to problems.
Health care professionals and doctors can help you be proactive about your increased risks of alcohol addiction by addressing your concerns, ensuring that you’re treating any mental health conditions that could increase your risk of alcohol problems, and staying well overall. Focusing on prevention and remaining healthy can significantly help you cut your own risks of alcohol problems and ensure that you can have a bright, happy future without alcohol addiction.
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What Mental Health Conditions Are Linked to Alcoholism?
If you’re considering does alcohol addiction run in families, it’s important to note that genetic predispositions and family histories don’t explain all instances of addiction. Other factors are at play that can make someone predisposed to alcohol addiction.
There are strong signs of co-occurrence of alcohol use disorder and many types of mental health conditions, and someone who has an alcohol addiction is at a much higher risk of mental health struggles, just like having some mental health disorders can make someone more likely to suffer from addiction.
Common mental health conditions that can co-occur with alcohol use disorder include:
- Depression and depressive disorders.
- Anxiety disorders.
- Disorders related to trauma and stress, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder.
- Psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.
- Bipolar disorder.
This is why alcohol addiction treatment programs will also often treat any co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, because treating only the addiction and ignoring the mental health problems means the person will be at a much higher risk of relapsing and continuing to struggle with substance use in the future.
Key Takeaways on Does Alcohol Addiction Run in Families
- The risk of alcohol addiction can be dramatically increased in those with a family history of drinking problems.
- It’s estimated that as much as half of the risk for alcoholism owes to genetic predisposition and family history.
- Social and environmental factors also play important roles in the risk of someone developing an alcohol addiction.
- Certain mental health conditions also tend to co-occur with alcohol use disorder.
- Staging an intervention for an alcoholic and helping them choose to get professional treatment can help them overcome their genetic predisposition and get healthy.
Does alcohol addiction run in families? If you are at a higher risk of alcohol problems due to genetic factors, you might already be struggling with your drinking and wonder how you can get better. The good news is that help is available, and the team at WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab can provide you with effective, compassionate help that can get you back on the right track. Call us at 877-855-3470 today to learn how we can help.
Resources
- GoodRx – Is Alcoholism Genetic? A Look at Hereditary Factors and Predisposition
- National Library of Medicine – Genetics and Alcoholism
- Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health – Family History of Alcoholism: Are You at Risk?
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – Mental Health Issues: Alcohol Use Disorder and Common Co-Occurring Conditions
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.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
