Is Alcoholism Genetic or Learned?
For years, experts explored the question: Is alcoholism genetic or learned? We will examine both sides to gain a better understanding.
Definition of Alcoholism
To understand the question, ‘is alcoholism genetic or learned?’ we need to first understand the disorder and its consequences.
Indications of Alcoholism
Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder, is a chronic and progressive medical condition. Alcoholism affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by compulsive alcohol use despite negative consequences. People with alcoholism typically experience:1
- An intense craving for alcohol
- Loss of control over drinking
- Withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, and, at worst, seizures, when attempting to quit or cut down
Alcoholism and Its Consequences
Alcoholism can jeopardize physical, psychological, and social wellness in various ways. Some negative consequences of alcoholism include:
- Liver damage
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Relationship problems
- Difficulty fulfilling responsibilities at work or home
While some experts argue that alcoholism runs in family genetics, others believe that environmental and social factors play a larger role in its development. Let’s explore further into the two sides of the argument.
Is alcoholism genetic? To answer the question, we have to start with the definition.
What Are Genetics? Is Alcoholism Genetic?
Genetics refers to studying how genes are inherited and expressed in living organisms. Genes are segments of DNA that contain instructions for an organism’s development, function, and behavior. They are passed down from parents to offspring. Since addiction is considered a heritable trait, this leads to the consideration of is alcoholism genetic.2
Genetics is an essential field of study in many areas of science, including biology, medicine, and agriculture.
The Nature Vs. Nurture Debate
The nature vs. nurture debate is a big question in alcoholism. It asks, is alcoholism genetic or learned? Whether people become alcoholics because of their genes (nature) or their environment and upbringing (nurture).3
Studies show that alcoholism can run in families, suggesting that genes might play a role. Others state that people who grow up in homes with alcohol are more likely to become alcoholics, suggesting that environment and upbringing might be necessary.
Genes vs. Environment
Both genes and environment can play a role in alcoholism. For example, someone might have a genetic predisposition to developing alcoholism. Still, if they are never exposed to alcohol, they might never become an alcoholic.
On the other hand, an individual might have no genetic predisposition to alcoholism. Suppose they grew up in an environment where drinking is encouraged. In that case, they might still develop a problem with alcohol. There is no clear answer to the question, ‘is alcoholism genetic?’ Both genes and environment can play a role, and the interaction between the two is likely significant as well.
Is Alcoholism Genetic?
Is alcoholism genetic? There is substantial evidence to support the role of genetic factors in the development of alcoholism. Here are some of the key findings:
Family And Twin Studies
Family and twin studies have consistently shown that alcoholism tends to run in families. Children of alcoholics are more likely to develop alcoholism. Twin studies have also shown that the risk of alcoholism is higher in identical twins than in fraternal twins.
Genome-Wide Association Studies
Is alcoholism genetic? In this case, yes. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several genetic variants associated with an increased risk of alcoholism. These variants are involved in a range of biological processes. Some include the regulation of dopamine signaling in the brain, which is thought to play a role in the development of addiction.
Animal Studies
Studies in animals have shown that selective breeding for high alcohol preference can produce strains of animals prone to alcoholism. This suggests that genetic factors play a role in susceptibility to alcoholism.
Neurobiology Studies
Neurobiological studies have shown that people with alcoholism have differences in brain structure and function. These differences are thought to be related to genetic factors. They influence brain development and function. This supports the point of alcoholism being genetic.
How Can Family History Influence Alcoholism?
Environmental Factors
Growing up in a household where parents have alcoholism can expose children to it. A range of environmental factors increases the risk of developing alcoholism.
These may include:
- Witnessing problematic drinking behaviors
- Experiencing family conflict
- Stress related to alcoholism
- Less parental monitoring and support
Modeling Behavior
Children may learn from their parent’s behavior. This means they view problematic drinking as a normative way of coping with stress or socializing. Children may also learn to cope with negative emotions by drinking.
Access to Alcohol
Children of alcoholics may have greater access to alcohol. It could be because it is readily available at home or because they are more likely to associate with peers who drink.
What Other Factors Contribute To Alcoholism?
In considering the question, ‘is alcoholism genetic?’ several other factors can contribute to the development of alcoholism.5
These include:
- Environmental factors: Some include living in a stressful or unstable environment. It could be experiencing trauma or having easy access to alcohol. These factors increase the risk of developing alcoholism.
- Social factors: Peer pressure, social isolation, and cultural attitudes toward alcohol can also contribute to the development of alcoholism. Where you and your friends go out can play a role in alcohol consumption.
- Psychological factors: Mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders, can increase the risk of developing alcoholism. Individuals may turn to alcohol as a way of coping with their symptoms.
- Behavioral factors: Behaviors such as binge drinking or heavy drinking can increase the risk of developing alcoholism over time.
- Family history: As previously mentioned, a family history of alcoholism can also increase the risk of developing the addiction.
Interaction between Genetic and Environmental Factors
Is alcoholism genetic? The development of alcoholism is a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors can increase an individual’s susceptibility to alcoholism. And environmental factors can modulate the expression of those genes. These determine whether or not an individual will develop the disorder.
Here are some ways in which genetic and environmental factors interact in the development of alcoholism:
Gene-Environment Interaction
Gene-environment interaction is the way genetic and environmental factors interact to influence alcoholism. For example, individuals with genetic susceptibility may be more likely to develop it if exposed to environmental factors that increase their risk. Some factors include stress, trauma, or easy access to alcohol.
Epigenetic Factors
Epigenetic factors are changes in gene expression in response to environmental factors. For example, exposure to stress or alcohol can trigger changes in the expression of genes. These genes are involved in regulating stress responses. The reward pathways in the brain also contribute to the development of alcoholism.
Gene-Environment Correlation
Gene-environment correlation is when genetic factors influence an individual’s environment and vice versa. For example, individuals with a genetic susceptibility to alcoholism seek environments that expose them to alcohol. Some are social groups where heavy drinking is the norm.
Developmental factors
Developmental factors can affect an individual’s genetic and environmental susceptibility to alcoholism. For example, prenatal alcohol exposure can increase an individual’s genetic susceptibility to alcoholism. This happens due to an alteration in gene expression in brain development. This is a leading consideration for alcoholism is genetic.
What is your answer to the question, is alcoholism genetic?
Why It’s Essential to Take Extra Precautions if Alcoholism Runs in Your Family
At this point, we know the answer to the question, is alcoholism genetic?
A family history of alcoholism can increase your risk of developing the disorder. Studies have shown that individuals with a family history of alcoholism are up to four times more likely to develop alcoholism than those without a family history.
What Precautions Can I Take?
Taking extra precautions can include:
- Avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption: If you have a family history of alcoholism, you should be mindful of your consumption. This means avoiding alcohol altogether or limiting your consumption to lower-risk levels.
- Managing stress and mental health: People with a family history of alcoholism may be more susceptible to stress and mental health conditions. This can increase the risk of developing alcoholism. Managing stress well and seeking treatment for mental health conditions can help reduce the risk.
- Building a support network: A solid support network of family, friends, and healthcare professionals can help reduce the risk of developing alcoholism. This works through emotional support, coping strategies, and accountability.
- Educating yourself: Learning about the signs and symptoms of alcoholism can help you identify potential issues early on. This way, you can get treatment on time.
Prevent or Treat Alcoholism at Essence Healthcare
So, is alcoholism genetic? Both genetic and environmental factors play essential roles in the development of the disorder. Alcoholism is genetic, but having an alcoholic parent doesn’t mean you will be an alcoholic too. It is vital to take precautions when preventing alcoholism if this condition runs in your family. You may be the first one in your family to turn the tide on this disorder.
Essence Healthcare offers various services to help prevent and treat alcoholism. We provide resources to help individuals understand the risks associated with alcohol use. We also offer multiple treatment options to treat alcoholism, no matter how severe the addiction.
Call Us Today
We will be with you every step of the way on your road to a happy and healthy lifestyle. Let us help you create a plan to conquer alcoholism in your life or the lives of your loved ones. Call us today!
Resources
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol-use-disorders/genetics-alcohol-use-disorders
- https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcoholism-treatment/symptoms-and-signs/hereditary-or-genetic
- https://www.ncadd.org/about-addiction/family-history-and-genetics
- https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa35.htm
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3860432/
