Is Alcoholism Hereditary?

With 14.4 million American adults in 2018 dealing with an alcohol use disorder, it’s no wonder that people have many questions about this problem. Since some people who struggle with alcoholism tend to have a family member who also is an alcoholic, they wonder is alcoholism hereditary. This question has been debated for years. It’s an important question to consider since children of alcoholics could proactively avoid alcohol. Let’s examine the question — is alcoholism hereditary?

Learn the risk factors for alcohol use disorder and when to find a women’s and men’s alcohol rehab center in Texas.

Researchers have noted there seems to be a genetic link among people with alcohol dependence and use disorders. However, the answers are not 100% conclusive. For one thing, researches don’t know what gene would be linked to alcoholism. What they do know is that more people who are alcoholics have family members who are also alcoholics. This is more prevalent than it is with people who are not alcoholics.

Some researchers feel that environmental influences could be just as much a factor. That makes sense because the person would be exposed to drinking and environmental influences that would approve of drinking. A child may think of drinking just like any other event and grow up, not realizing its dangers. In addition, if a child grows up with alcoholic parents, he or she may taste the alcohol at a young age and start drinking young as well.

So, while it’s true that environmental factors play a part, it doesn’t account for some of the other research that has been done. For example, studies conducted on twins adopted out to separate families found that those whose biological father was an alcoholic were much more likely to become alcoholics as well. It was higher than those who were raised in adoptive homes with alcohol use.

This indicates the likelihood of a genetic connection.

What Should You Do If Alcoholism Runs In The Family?

Yes, alcoholism is hereditary. And if you have family members who have alcohol use disorder, it’s essential that you realize your risks. Drinking will increase the risk of addiction. It may move you along the stages of alcoholism at a much faster pace. Therefore, it’s best to leave alcohol alone.

Find Recovery at The Right Step in Dallas

Introducing Right Step in Dallas, TX, where you will discover experienced and compassionate caregivers ready to assist you with the recovery process. If you have started down the road to alcohol addiction, we can help you find your way off that road. It doesn’t matter how long or how short you’ve been drinking. If you recognize your need for help, then you are on the right track.
Our alcohol detox program will be your first step in the process of healing. We offer a wide variety, some of which include:

Don’t wait until your alcohol problems become too big to handle. Seek help from professionals. Now that you know the answer to is alcoholism hereditary, contact The Right Step in Dallas, and find a helping hand. Call us at 1.844.768.1161, and we’ll walk along beside you.