Our genetic structure determines all our human traits. Our DNA dictates our physical characteristics (such as eye color) and also our behavioral characteristics (such as aggression). These genes are passed on to us by our parents. Among the behavioral traits parents can pass on to their children is a predisposition toward alcohol abuse and addiction. Among those abusing alcohol, people who are genetically predisposed to alcoholism have a higher risk of developing an alcohol use disorder. Although people can inherit alcoholic tendencies, the development of an alcohol use disorder is also dependent on social and environmental factors. Some who have inherited genes making them susceptible to alcoholism are responsible drinkers or never take a drink in their life. Research shows that genes are responsible for about half of the risk for AUD. Therefore, genes alone do not determine whether someone will develop AUD. Environmental factors, as well as gene and environment interactions, account for the remainder of the risk. Get professional help from an addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp via phone, video, or live-chat. This a rticle was done with GSA Conte nt Gen erat or Dem oversion.
Take the Quiz. Get Matched. Mental health support, with or without insurance. Match with a licensed therapist and get convenient care from anywhere. Get matched with a therapist now. Paid Advertising. We may receive advertising fees if you follow links to promoted online therapy websites. There is not a singular gene solely responsible for alcoholism. There are hundreds of genes in a person’s DNA that may amplify the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder. Identifying these genes is difficult because each plays a small role in a much larger picture. Yet studies have shown that certain combinations of genes have a strong relationship to alcoholism. There are also behavioral genes passed down that could influence a propensity for alcoholism. Mental illnesses, such as depression and schizophrenia, are more common in people with a family history of these disorders. People with mental illness have a higher risk of turning to substance abuse as a way of coping.
Mental disorders can be hereditary (and environmental), which partially illuminates the complex link between genetics and addiction. Addiction Center is not affiliated with any insurance. Genetic makeup, https://beautydrops.shop, only accounts for half of the alcoholic equation. There are also countless environmental factors (work, stress, relationships) that may lead to alcoholism. Our hereditary behaviors interact with our environment to form the basis of our decisions. Some people are more sensitive to stress, making it harder to cope with an unhealthy relationship or makeup a fast-paced job. Some people experience a traumatizing event and turn to alcohol to self-medicate. However, even those with a high genetic risk to substance abuse must first be driven by a nonhereditary factor to do it. The catalyst that leads to alcohol abuse is very often an environmental factor, such as work-related stress. The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance of developing an alcohol use disorder or addiction. There are also protective factors that reduce a person’s risk.
Risk and protective factors are either environmental or biological. Looking for a place to start? Join the thousands of people that have called a treatment provider for rehab information. Stay motivated and accountable in a support group of people working towards overcoming alcohol addiction. Join the movement - Find your team today. Paid Advertising. We may receive advertising fees if you follow links to promoted websites. Are You At Risk Of Becoming An Alcoholic? Those with a history of alcoholism in their family have the highest risk of becoming alcoholics. If you have multiple relatives with alcohol addictions or other substance use disorders, you may have inherited the genes that put you at risk. The more family members (related by birth) you have with an alcohol problem, the higher your risk. Just because someone may have a strong susceptibility toward alcoholism does not mean they are resigned to that fate. No one can control their genetic makeup, but everyone can take measures to prevent an addiction.