Understanding the Role of Genetics in Alcoholism
Is Alcoholism Genetic?
Alcoholism can have genetic risk factors; however, genetics alone do not cause people to automatically develop alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Many people with family members who abuse alcohol wonder, “Is alcoholism hereditary?” The simple answer is no. Genetics may cause someone to more easily develop addictive behaviors. However, genetics do not directly cause AUD.
New Found Life treats AUD and other forms of substance use disorder (SUD) using evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies. You can find hope and healing in treatment.
Can Family History Increase Risk for Alcohol Use Disorder?
Yes! A family history of alcohol abuse or other forms of SUD increases your risk of AUD.
New Found Life conducts comprehensive screening and assessments during the intake process to determine underlying factors contributing to AUD. You will be asked about any family history of substance abuse and how that may have impacted your adolescence, physical health, and mental well-being.
According to Alcohol Health and Research World, “Both the age at onset of alcohol use and a family history of alcoholism can influence a person’s risk of becoming alcohol dependent.” In addition, “[A] family history of alcoholism may be an indicator of shared or common environmental factors; genetic influences; or, more likely, a combination of both.”
Further, the American Psychiatric Association cites that “problematic alcohol use is a major public health concern with significant individual and family impacts. Genetic factors contribute to the risk of alcohol use disorder.”
Alcohol treatment involves exploring these possible factors and finding healthy ways to manage them to ensure lasting sobriety. New Found Life prepares you for long-term recovery using therapy, community engagement, and social support.
How Do Genetic Factors Affect Alcohol Metabolism?
Differences in genetics affect enzymes and how the body metabolizes alcohol, as well as how quickly the body absorbs and eliminates alcohol.
Your body metabolizes an alcoholic drink differently depending on multiple factors, including ethnic variability and genetics.
For example, variants of ADH1A, SRPRB, and PGM1 genes play a role in blood alcohol concentration and alcohol-related health issues. Some ethnicities have a higher likelihood of having genetic variations that impact the side effects of alcohol consumption.
Race, culture, and genetics may affect your risk factors for developing addictive behaviors or AUD. White men are the largest demographic that experiences AUD at least once in their lifetime. However, genetics and environmental influences do not remove personal choice, cause people to consume excessive amounts of alcohol, or directly cause AUD.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), a 2024 alcohol research survey showed that in their lifetime “145.7 million White people ages 12 and older (85.4% in this age group)” have consumed alcohol and within the month of the survey “9.9 million White people ages 12 and older (5.8% in this age group)” engaged in heavy alcohol use.
All other ethnicities have lower instances of alcohol use and excessive alcohol abuse.
Genetic Variants and Alcohol Vulnerability
What Are the Key Genetic Variants Linked to Alcoholism?
Genetic variants impacting alcohol metabolism and how your body responds to alcohol include ADH1B, ALDH2, GABRA6, and DRD2.
Your genome directly impacts how your mind and body react to alcohol, including:
- ADH1B: Aldehyde dehydrogenase and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzymes detoxify alcohol-derived acetaldehyde and convert acetyl-CoA to ethanol
- ALDH2: Causes oxidative stress and excessive acetaldehyde accumulation when you drink alcohol
- GABRA6: Impacts behavioral and cognitive responses to alcohol consumption, including mood, anxiety, and alcohol dependence
- DRD2: May increase cravings
- SRPRB and PGM1: Koreana with this generic variant may have lower blood alcohol levels after consuming alcoholic drinks
Other genes may also affect your reaction to alcohol or other addictive substances. New Found Life addresses the underlying issues contributing to addiction. Treatments can help you reduce cravings and other potential symptoms you may struggle to manage.
How Do ADH1B and ALDH2 Impact Alcohol Metabolism?
The enzymes ADH1B and ALDH2 influence how quickly alcohol is metabolized and how the body responds to the toxic effects of alcohol (e.g., flushing, nausea).
ADH1B and ALDH2 genes can cause the typical red flush and nausea, and determine how quickly the body converts acetaldehyde to ethanol. If you have variants of these genes, it may impact how your organs respond to alcohol and other toxins.
Treatments address the effects of ADH1B and ALDH2 during the withdrawal and treatment process. The amount of alcohol a person drinks affects how these enzymes function.
Can Genetic Predisposition Guarantee Alcohol Addiction?
No. A higher genetic risk of developing alcohol addiction does not guarantee you will develop AUD or any other addictive behaviors.
No one is fated to become addicted to alcohol or drugs. Genetics and other factors only increase your risk. Personal choice is the ultimate decider on whether you become dependent or addicted to alcohol.
Recognizing the problem and accepting responsibility for past choices helps you avoid falling back into maladaptive behaviors during and after treatment. The experts at New Found Life provide essential skills for navigating recovery and overcoming the underlying issues that caused problematic behaviors in the past.
You can heal and create a hopeful future where you feel fulfilled.
Environmental Factors and Their Role
How Does Environment Influence Alcohol Use Disorders?
Environmental factors through every stage of life, including trauma, family history, community violence, and peer pressure, impact your risk of being diagnosed with AUD, SUD, or mental health disorders.
Your current environment and the environment you were raised in influence how you think about alcohol, addiction, and treatment. Interpersonal relationships, social expectations, parental habits, and other environmental factors shape your behaviors and beliefs.
Experts at New Found Life can help you identify and challenge problematic thought patterns caused by social and ecological stressors.
According to the American Journal on Addictions, “Two recent measured-gene studies identified significant interactions between genetic effects and childhood adversities (e.g., abuse, parental divorce or death, witnessed violence) in predicting AUD.”
In addition, “Many studies suggest that social norms and attitudes about drinking have fairly uniform associations with alcohol use and problems across gender and race/ethnicity.”
Can a Person With No Family History Develop Alcoholism?
Yes. People who have no family history of addiction or mental health issues can still develop AUD.
Although a family history of alcohol abuse may contribute to the root causes of AUD, it does not cause AUD. Anyone from any walk of life can become addicted to alcohol or other substances, regardless of family history. In addition, genetics may still play a role in addiction even if there is no family history of SUD.
Anyone who abuses alcohol or regularly drinks excessively has the potential to become dependent or addicted. New Found Life provides education on the realities of how alcohol affects behaviors and cognition. Many people do not realize the dangers of frequent drinking due to misinformation, disinformation, and popular culture stereotypes.
What Lifestyle or Social Factors Increase Risk?
Peer pressure, social isolation, community violence, cultural and social norms, socioeconomic status, and other factors impact your risk of becoming addicted to alcohol or drugs.
Underage drinking and exposure to alcohol at a young age may normalize frequent alcohol use or abuse. Social pressure, a lack of parental support, and other factors also often contribute to AUD.
Peer pressure is a common cause of alcohol use in young adults and older adults. Students, retirees, and people living in high-stress situations have an increased risk of engaging in unhealthy drinking behaviors.
New Found Life provides psychoeducation to help people connect their motivations for abusing alcohol and the root factors that may have contributed to their choices.
Interaction Between Genetics and Environment
How Does Epigenetics Affect Alcoholism Risk?
Your overall health, behaviors, and environmental factors all determine how genetic factors manifest.
According to Alcohol Research Current Reviews, “Whole-genome expression profiling has highlighted the importance of several genes that may contribute to alcohol abuse disorders.” In addition, “DNA methylation as a critical regulator of gene expression levels, which also may play a critical role in alcoholism.”
New Found Life educates clients and families on the effects of alcohol on the mind and body.
Can Early Exposure to Alcohol Impact Future Addiction?
Yes. Early exposure to alcohol or alcohol abuse significantly increases your risk of mental health issues and addiction later in life.
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including exposure to alcohol or drug abuse, may cause some people to adopt unhealthy routines and habits. The majority of people with AUD have a history of childhood alcohol exposure.
A family history may also indicate genetic variations that contribute to addictive behaviors. Avoiding early exposure to alcohol or addiction reduces your risk of developing AUD or mental health disorders.
How Do Mental Health Conditions Influence Susceptibility?
People who have diagnosed mental health disorders or a family history of mental health issues have an increased risk of AUD; however, mental health disorders do not cause alcohol addiction.
The majority of people with AUD have either a history of mental health issues, co-occurring mental health conditions, or a family history. Treating AUD involves simultaneously addressing any current mental health issues affecting your sobriety and ability to function.
Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery
Can Knowing Your Genetic Risk Help Prevent Alcoholism?
Yes, understanding your risk factors can help you make more informed and healthier choices.
Genetic testing provides information on the various genetic factors that may influence your body’s response to alcohol and your ability to function with AUD.
New Found Life tailors treatment to the specific needs of each person. If you are aware of specific genetic risks that may impact your recovery, the care team will consider these during treatment planning.
What Evidence-Based Treatments Exist for Alcohol Use Disorder?
New Found Life offers evidence-based treatments for AUD, including psychotherapy, peer support, family therapy, prescription medications, and other services.
Rehab programs must treat and help you manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including fatigue, craving, intrusive thoughts, and other effects of alcohol detox.
Some of the most effective treatment modalities for addressing AUD include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), experiential therapy, 12-Step support groups, and prescription medications when necessary to manage withdrawal symptoms or co-occurring conditions.
How Does Family Support Impact Recovery Success?
Family engagement in the recovery process plays an essential role in alcohol rehab programs and long-term sobriety for many people.
Close friends and family members offer accountability, support, encouragement, and motivation for people in alcohol treatment.
Healthcare professionals at New Found Life offer family therapy and other services to support clients and their loved ones throughout the rehabilitation process. People in inpatient programs often have better outcomes if they have family engagement in the recovery process.
FAQs
Is there a single “alcoholism gene”?
No. There is no single gene that guarantees someone will experience addiction if they drink alcohol.
No single gene directly causes alcoholism or other forms of substance abuse. However, multiple genes do affect how your body reacts to toxins like alcohol. Genetic influences may make it more dangerous for some people to regularly engage in alcohol consumption. The genetics of alcoholism may also increase your risk of relapse during addiction treatment.
Excessive alcohol use, binge drinking, heavy drinking, and other alcohol problems contribute to the development of addiction and mental health disorders. New Found Life treats substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Psychiatry often provides vital insights and support for clients with dual diagnosis and genetic risk factors.
Can environmental factors override genetic risk?
Yes. Positive environmental factors, including family and peer support, mental health treatment, and a nurturing home environment, may reduce your risk of AUD despite a genetic predisposition.
Environmental factors play a critical role in lifestyle choices for most people. Living or working in an environment where you regularly see people drinking alcohol increases the likelihood that you will begin drinking on a regular basis. The combination of multiple environmental and genetic factors may cause some people to easily become dependent on alcohol.
How much does genetic variation contribute to alcohol dependence?
Genetics does play a significant role in alcohol dependence and addiction for some people.
Genes may play a role in approximately half of all instances of addiction, making it a significant risk factor for many people with AUD.
According to Nature Reviews Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “Abundant evidence indicates that alcoholism is a complex genetic disease, with variations in a large number of genes affecting risk [. . .] including two genes of alcohol metabolism, ADH1B and ALDH2, that have the strongest known effects on risk for alcoholism.”
In addition, “Twin studies in the US and Europe suggest that approximately 45-65% of the liability is due to genetic factors.”
Can teens with a family history of substance abuse be more vulnerable?
Yes. Teens with a family history of SUD or mental health issues have an increased risk of developing addictive behaviors later in life.
People who abuse substances at a young age or have a family history of SUD have a higher risk of being diagnosed with an addiction or mental health disorder.
The majority of adults who struggle with alcohol abuse have experienced some form of introduction to alcohol use at a young age, either through witnessing family or friends abusing the substance or by personally engaging in underage drinking.
New Found Life uses 12-Step immersion, peer support, psychotherapy, and other treatments to help you identify and address the root causes of addiction to reduce your risk of relapse. Understanding how a family history of substance abuse may have contributed to your own behaviors can help you make healthy and lasting lifestyle changes.
Does genetic testing predict alcohol addiction accurately?
No. Genetic testing can provide information about your potential risks, but it does not predict if you will become dependent or addicted to alcohol.
Some genes commonly occur among people who develop addictions. However, genetics alone does not cause alcohol addiction. Anyone can become dependent on or addicted to alcohol regardless of genetics, background, age, gender, or socioeconomic status.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “The genomic pattern linked to general addiction risk also predicted higher risk of mental and physical illness, including psychiatric disorders, suicidal behavior, respiratory disease, heart disease, and chronic pain conditions.” In addition, “Genetics play a key role in determining health throughout our lives, but they are not destiny.”
If you have genes that increase your risk of AUD, they do not dictate whether you will become diagnosed with SUD.
Early intervention and professional alcohol treatment provide the best outcomes for people with AUD or dual diagnosis. New Found Life uses evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies to address AUD and help people heal from the damage caused by chronic alcohol abuse. To learn more about our alcohol treatment programs and support services, call us today at (562) 434-4060.