If a parent or sibling has struggled with alcoholism, your chances may be higher — but that doesn’t mean you’re is alcoholism a genetic disease destined to become an alcoholic. Trans-ancestral GWAS of alcohol dependence reveals common genetic underpinnings with psychiatric disorders. She said those larger samples of individuals with and without a diagnosis of alcohol dependence will be key to future discoveries about genetic contributions to alcoholism. While gene therapy shows promise for the treatment of alcoholism, it is still in the early stages of development.
- Xenia Ellenbogen (she/they) is a journalist specializing in health, mental health, and wellness.
- In recent years, researchers have made significant progress in understanding the role of genetics in alcoholism.
- Genetic variations in the ADH genes can result in altered alcohol metabolism, leading to increased sensitivity to alcohol and a higher risk of alcohol addiction.
- If a parent or sibling has struggled with alcoholism, your chances may be higher — but that doesn’t mean you’re destined to become an alcoholic.
- The long arm of Chromosome 7 contains the acetylcholine receptor gene CHRM2 (cholinergic muscarinic 2 receptor).
Genetic Factors Associated with FAS
- Familial patterns of FAS can also result from shared environmental factors, such as alcohol misuse within the family.
- Genetic factors of alcoholism play a significant role in a person’s risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD).
- Understanding the link between genetics and alcoholism is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies for the disease.
- You could also look for support groups online or in your area for people with substance use disorders.
Looking at adoptees, for example, if their biological parents were alcoholics, they may be more likely to abuse alcohol, but it’s not a given. Lab rats and mice bred to choose alcohol and bred to have a more painful withdrawal to intoxicants reinforce the idea that alcoholic traits are rooted in genetics. Aside from risk factors, there are also positive “protective” factors that make a person less susceptible to alcohol addiction. These factors make people resilient even though they are in a high-risk environment.
Identifying Genetic Risk Factors
Genetic factors have been found to play a significant role in the development of co-occurring disorders, which refer to the presence of two or more disorders in an individual. These disorders can include alcoholism, substance abuse, mental health issues, and physical health conditions. The development of alcoholism can be influenced by genetics, specifically through the impact on brain reward pathways. These pathways play a crucial role in the perception of pleasure and reward, and their dysregulation has been linked to addictive behaviors. Research has shown that genetic variations can influence an individual’s response to medications commonly used in alcohol withdrawal treatment. For example, a specific genetic variation may affect the metabolism of medications, leading to differences in drug efficacy and potential side effects.
The Link Between Genetics and Alcoholism
- Sanchez-Roige said that such broad, hypothesis-free studies are only possible if researchers have access to very large sets of data.
- Understanding the genetic factors involved is an important step toward finding the support and treatment necessary for a healthier future.
- These genes can influence the way the brain responds to alcohol and affect the release and regulation of neurotransmitters involved in mood and reward processing.
Those stories about scientists discovering a gene that explains Uncle Gene’s drinking problems, there may be nuggets of truth to them. To say, however, that there is one lonely gene responsible for alcohol abuse — marijuana addiction that’s bunk. Your genes may predispose you to it, but you don’t have to let it define or dictate your choices. If a person experiences any 2 to 3 symptoms, they will be diagnosed with mild alcohol use disorder. However, a crucial disclaimer is that these markers don’t guarantee one will become a heavy drinker. The National Institute on Drug Abuse highlights a potential overlap between genes related to alcoholism and opioid misuse.
Moreover, environmental factors can interact with these genetic predispositions to further increase the risk of alcoholism and mental health disorders. Stressful life events, trauma, and exposure to substances during critical developmental stages can all play a role in triggering the manifestation of these conditions in individuals genetically susceptible to them. Genetic factors can influence an individual’s susceptibility to alcohol addiction, and they can also affect the intensity and duration of the withdrawal symptoms experienced when alcohol consumption is abruptly stopped.
Treatment & Support
If you’re reading this and wondering whether it’s time to seek help, that’s a sign of strength and self-awareness. With the right support, treatment, and tools, healing is not just possible—it’s well within reach. Surrounding yourself with people who share healthy habits and don’t pressure you into risky behavior makes it easier to stay on track. Being part of a team, volunteer group, faith community, or other social organization fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, which reduces vulnerability to substance misuse. Even if you don’t carry “protective” genes, you can build powerful protective habits and skills through your environment and choices.