Is There A Gene That Determines Alcoholism?

Published on August 22, 2023

Some people with a family history of alcohol abuse will experience alcohol abuse themselves, but why? Research has indicated that genetics may play a key role.

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Is There A Gene That Determines Alcoholism?

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most pervasive and common forms of addiction in the U.S., with more than one in 10 American adults experiencing it annually.

Over recent decades, there has been an increasing understanding that addiction is a chronic disease and not a moral failing. This has led to more research into how addiction forms.

One increasingly relevant theory is that DNA plays a role in who may be predisposed to AUD or drug addiction.

How Do Genetics Factor Into Alcohol Abuse?

There are numerous factors that can influence whether or not someone develops a substance use disorder, and genetics are just one piece of the puzzle.

Through extensive psychiatry research, scientists have found that having certain gene pairs can account for roughly half a person’s risk for substance abuse or mental health disorders.

There is no single “alcohol gene,” but researchers have identified a handful of genetic variants that can lead to a predisposition to addiction, such as ADH1B, GABRB1, or ALDH2.

These genomes may regulate behavior, stress, or the body’s alcohol metabolism and ability to break down substances.

Researchers also found that Asian, African, and European people often present with different specific genes related to substance abuse.

Other Common Causes Of Alcohol Addiction

Finding the root cause of a person’s addiction can be challenging, and there may be more than one environmental factor that leads someone to substance abuse.

People with or without genetic risks for alcohol abuse may turn to alcohol consumption to manage stressful situations, such as a bad relationship or financial strain.

Understanding what may trigger someone to drink or use drugs in the first place can help prevent substance use disorders from forming.

Mental Health Disorders

Mental illnesses are one of the most frequently cited causes of alcohol or drug abuse. More than 40% of people with a substance use disorder also have a co-occurring mental illness.

Anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are all common among people with substance use disorders.

The symptoms of these mental health conditions can be challenging to manage, and people may turn to drinking alcohol as a form of self-medication.

Trauma

Trauma, particularly childhood trauma, frequently leads to some form of substance abuse. This may be worsened if the person has inadequate access to therapy or other healthcare resources.

There are many different sources of trauma that may lead to addiction, such as sexual or physical assault, abusive relationships, war, natural disasters, or life-threatening accidents.

For some people, even witnessing these stressful experiences, without directly experiencing them themselves, such as the abuse of a parent, can cause trauma and its effects.

Chronic Pain

Chronic physical pain, such as that associated with life-long illnesses or injuries, can be debilitating to deal with.

Effective treatment options aren’t always readily available, so people may turn to substance use to dull painful physical and emotional symptoms, which may lead to addiction.

Social Factors

Numerous social factors can influence someone to try drugs or alcohol, including friends or family members who drink regularly or use illicit substances.

People who start drinking in adolescence due to these influences are also at a higher risk of developing a substance use disorder in adulthood.

Having family members who participate in heavy drinking can be compounded by any potential genetic predisposition and cause a further increased risk for alcohol addiction.

Signs And Symptoms Of AUD

If you suspect that you or a loved one is experiencing alcohol dependence or addiction, there are a few key signs you can check for.

Indicators of alcohol addiction include:

drastic changes in hygiene or appearance
withdrawal from loved ones
loss of interest in hobbies and activities
poor performance at school or work
financial troubles
lying or stealing
trying and failing to quit drinking
experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using alcohol
using alcohol in unsafe situations

When To Seek Treatment For Alcohol Addiction

Getting treatment for alcohol abuse is essential to prevent the condition from worsening or further impacting your or your loved one’s health.

Depending on the severity of the addiction, treatment specialists may recommend either inpatient or outpatient care, where evidence-based approaches for long-term recovery can be accessed.