Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism COGA National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism NIAAA
The impact of genes on behavior like alcohol use or even sexual orientation has long been the subject of scientific debate. But while research is still ongoing to identify causative and protective genes for alcohol use disorder, it is not currently routine practice to test for these genes. As one 2015 article in Nature points out, researchers have not been able to identify a single gene that determines whether or not you develop an addiction. Someone without this gene is less likely to control their urge to keep drinking alcohol.
Are Children of Alcoholics More Likely to Become Alcoholics?
Again, just because a family member struggles with alcoholism does not mean it is inevitable that you also will. The risk of alcoholism is considered just as much environmental, social, and behavioral as it is genetic and heritable. Family history can indeed contribute to the onset of alcoholism, but this is not the whole story.
Nature vs. Nurture: Is Alcohol Use Disorder in Our Genes?
Some of the reasons that alcoholism tends to run in families have nothing to do with genetics. A child living with an alcoholic parent may experience a chaotic, disruptive and even harmful environment, and this can contribute to the development of a https://ecosoberhouse.com/ substance use disorder. A parent who abuses alcohol may be prone to aggression, violence, psychological problems and financial difficulties, which can create a painful experience for children. Some underlying genetic issues can lead to alcoholism or increase the likelihood of drinking becoming a problem. Remember, research has shown that genetics are responsible for about 50% of the risk a person has for developing alcohol use disorder.
Alcohol Use Disorder Should Be Treated Now
- People struggling with addiction were often considered morally weak and sinners who couldn’t control themselves.
- Environmental factors also account for the risk of alcohol and drug abuse.2 Scientists are learning more about how epigenetics affect our risk of developing AUD.
- The study highlighted genes with silent mutations affecting alcohol use and emphasized the significance of studying gene groups over individual genes.
- Taking their first drink earlier puts them at risk of future problems with alcohol.
Research shows that the development of an alcohol use disorder depends about 50% on genetics. Alcohol use disorder can occur across multiple generations, and people who have parents with a history of alcohol abuse are is alcoholism inherited at a higher risk of developing alcoholism. However, several factors can protect people against an alcohol use disorder, even if they have a family history of the condition.
Hereditary predisposition to AUD is one of the risk factors identified by these results. They are essential in influencing the brain’s function and response to addictive substances like alcohol. Certain genetic variations, such as cytochrome enzymes in the liver, can also influence how quickly a person metabolizes drugs. There is evidence that heavy episodic (binge) drinking, which results inexposure of tissues to high levels of alcohol, is particularly harmful81, 87, 88.
- Alcohol use disorder used to be referred to as alcoholism, alcohol addiction, or alcohol abuse.
- The debate between nature versus nature in the development of diseases like alcoholism rages on.
- Research shows that genetic and environmental factors play a role in its development.
- Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), has a complex relationship with genetics and family history.
Consider talking with someone who has had a problem with drinking but has stopped. Alcohol use disorder can include periods of being drunk (alcohol intoxication) and symptoms of withdrawal. There has been limited knowledge of the molecular genetic underpinnings of addiction until now. Further, most clinical trials and behavioral studies have focused on individual substances, rather than addiction more broadly.