Alcohol use disorder, colloquially known as alcoholism, is a condition that is characterized by frequent and heavy drinking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines this as:
- 5 or more drinks within 2 hours and 15 or more drinks in a week for males.
- 4 or more drinks within 2 hours and 8 or more drinks in a week for females.
Alcoholism impacts millions worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 400 million aged 15 and older struggle with an alcohol use disorder around the globe. But how does alcoholism develop, especially so early in life? There are different factors that are involved in alcoholism, the main factors being your genes and environment.
Is Alcoholism Genetic Or Hereditary?
Yes, genes have an impact on whether or not someone is likely to develop an alcohol use disorder (AUD). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) estimates that alcoholism runs in families, with the rates being 3-4 times higher than the general population. However, till now, there is no evidence that points to a specific gene that directly leads to alcoholism.
But we can estimate what percentage of alcoholism is genetic – experts have estimated that there is a 50% chance of developing AUD in cases where there is a family history of alcoholism.
Is There One “Alcoholism Gene”?
A 2020 genome-wide meta-analysis of 435,563 persons showed that there are 29 genetic variants linked with problematic drinking, but there is no one alcoholism or substance misuse gene that leads to this condition.
While there is no one gene, scientists have prioritized certain genes that are particularly linked with problematic drinking patterns. For instance, the ADH1B and ALDH2 genes related to alcohol metabolism are closely linked with alcoholism.
So, if you are wondering how is alcoholism genetic, a family history of AUD can increase the risk of a genetic predisposition for the same. The risk of parent-child genetic transmission increases when parents struggle with AUD. However, since it is not one gene but a multitude of genes that play a role in this, alcoholism can skip a generation. At the same time, if parents do not have an AUD, it does not mean that children are not predisposed to it. Grandparents or other close relatives struggling with AUD can also mean that a child is predisposed to alcoholism. However, genes are not the end-all be-all. Predisposition is a risk, but it does not mean that alcoholism is written in stone.
Warning Signs If Alcoholism Runs In Your Family
When you know what percentage of someone’s genetic background may contribute to alcohol dependency, you know that it is high. It is nearly 50%. This means the risk can never be ignored. So, there are some warning signs you need to watch out for if alcoholism runs in your family that pose a risk to your sobriety and well-being as well:
- Exposure to alcohol use early in life by others
- A history of chronic stress or trauma
- Impulsive behaviors
- Presence of other mental health conditions, like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and schizophrenia, among others.
- Easy access to alcohol
- Normalized alcohol use
- Peer groups who misuse alcohol
- Lack of financial security
- Low socioeconomic status
- Homelessness.
Genetics Aren’t Destiny – The Role Of The Environment Matters
Fifty percent of alcoholism is genetic, but this does not mean that predisposition has to become the reality. The environment also plays a role in whether a person develops an AUD or not. Here are some protective factors in your environment that can mitigate the effects of genes on alcoholism:
- Positive family environment and parental relationships
- Focus and open conversations on mental and behavioral health
- Strong personal and religious (or spiritual) beliefs against alcohol use
- Higher socioeconomic status
- Financial security
- Substance use prevention education and strategies in both educational and community settings
- Limited access to alcohol.
Can Alcoholism Be Prevented?
Yes, proven strategies and policies can be used to prevent alcoholism. Let us begin with strategies that you can follow in your life, first:
- Education is the first step. If you suspect a predisposition to alcohol (or even otherwise), educate yourself about the signs and dangers of alcohol misuse.
- You can seek out counseling to better understand alcoholism in your family and develop productive coping techniques where you can deal with triggers, temptations, and other life stressors without resorting to alcohol use.
- Surround yourself with a strong social support system – if your parents are struggling with alcohol use, do not shut down. Open up with other trusted persons, like your extended family and friends, who do not misuse alcohol.
- You can incorporate healthy living practices into your life, like a balanced diet, physical exercise, meditation, mindfulness, yoga, and a consistent sleep pattern.
- Develop interests and hobbies in your life so that you are occupied with doing something you love, which goes a long way in keeping your mind away from alcohol.
Meanwhile, the CDC suggests that policymakers can also implement policies at national, regional, and local levels to prevent widespread alcohol use:
- Tighten the laws or prohibit alcohol sales to minors
- Increase alcohol taxes
- Regulate the number of alcohol outlets
- Maintain limits on alcohol sales by hours and days
- Do not privatize retail alcohol sales.
You Are Not Your Genes, So Here Is What You Can Do
At the end of the day, the intricate interactions between genes and the environment in the development of alcohol use disorder are complex. So, nobody is born with alcoholism per se. While there is a heightened risk when alcoholism runs in families, there are still a lot of things like access to alcohol, peer alcohol use, cultural narratives around alcohol, education, community resources, and a focus on mental and behavioral health that play an integral role as well.
You can focus on your physical and psychological health beginning today to reduce and even entirely negate the risk of alcoholism. If you want to learn more about this, please reach out to Skyline Recovery today. Our experienced and understanding team is always there for you and is willing to answer all your queries and concerns.