Alcohol use disorder (AUD), also referred to as alcoholism, affects approximately 400 million people and is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. This disorder is characterized by excessive alcohol misuse despite repeated negative consequences of use, as well as an inability to reduce use.
Many factors contribute to the development of AUD, and it’s been long known that genetics is one of them. In fact, it was noted more than 2,000 years ago that alcoholism tends to run in families. A growing body of scientific evidence supports that claim. It’s been clearly shown in the research that alcoholism has a genetic component. This means that if you have a close relative, such as a parent or grandparent, who has an alcohol use disorder, you may be predisposed to developing the condition, as well. However, genetics isn’t the only factor that is related to the development of AUD. Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Alcoholism?
Alcoholism (AUD) used to be called alcoholism or alcohol addiction. Signs of alcoholism include:
- Repeated (unsuccessful) attempts to stop drinking.
- Lack of control over drinking.
- Very strong urges to drink.
- Spending a lot of time drinking.
- Negative impact on school, relationships, or work.
- Negative consequences from drinking, such as DUIs.
- Preferring to drink over other hobbies and activities.
- Physical alcohol dependence that includes withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, or shaking, that occur when you try to stop or cut down.
Is Alcoholism Genetic?
Numerous twin, family, and adoption studies have demonstrated that alcohol use disorder can be genetic. The heritability of alcohol use disorder is around 50 percent. This means that 50 percent of the risk of developing AUD comes from genetic factors and 50 percent from environmental and other factors.
Studies have tried to identify the exact genes associated with alcoholism. A large genome-wide study that included 275,000 participants examined the genes related to heavy alcohol consumption or alcohol use disorder. Researchers identified 18 gene variants that were associated with AUD or heavy drinking. This suggests that there are certain genes specifically linked with alcoholism.
Research from Indiana University School of Medicine also found that multiple genes play a role in the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Researchers sorted through about 3 billion pairs of DNA containing nearly 30,000 genes. They identified a handful of genes responsible for drinking behaviors. The genes implicated in alcohol use disorder were the same ones involved in the perception of pain.
Another research study from Indiana University School of Medicine found that 11 genes predict the risk of alcohol use disorder. Many of the 11 genes are implicated in other disorders, including cocaine use disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. This might explain why alcoholism and mental health conditions often co-occur.
A study conducted by Yale researchers identified 15 genes associated with heavy drinking. The study also found that habitual heavy drinking was genetically related to suicidality and other mental health outcomes.
Genetics may also make someone less likely to drink in excess or develop an alcohol-related disorder. One study examined data from the genetic database 23andMe and found that some people have a gene variant that affects how the body metabolizes alcohol. This gene causes the body to convert ethanol into acetaldehyde very quickly. This results in rapid nausea and other negative effects that may discourage a person from drinking too much.
Environmental and Genetic Factors Lead to Alcohol Abuse
Genetics plays a significant role in the risk of developing AUD. However, the causes of alcohol use disorder go beyond genetics. Your family history isn’t the only factor that can increase your risk. Experts believe that a combination of genetic and environmental factors ultimately leads to alcohol abuse.
Other Risk Factors
Here are some risk factors beyond genetics that can make a person more likely to develop an alcohol addiction.
- Regular exposure to alcohol use – If a person is exposed to heavy drinking as a child, they are more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder as an adult.
- Binge drinking – Binge drinking (consuming 4-5 drinks within 2 hours) regularly can lead to AUD.
- Alcohol use at a young age – Adults who begin drinking before the age of 15 are more than 3.5 times more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder than those who wait until they are 21 to drink.
- Significant psychosocial stress – Stressful life events, such as a divorce, job loss, or death, increase the risk of alcoholism.
- History of trauma at an early age – Childhood trauma, including neglect and physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, have all been linked to an increased risk for AUD.
- Cultural factors – Cultural norms and attitudes toward drinking heavily influence the prevalence of alcoholism, shaping how alcohol use is perceived, accepted, and addressed within society.
- Being diagnosed with a mental health condition – People who have bipolar disorder, clinical depression, and schizophrenia are more likely to develop an AUD.
- Low socioeconomic status – A low SES increases the risk of an alcohol use disorder (AUD).
- Homelessness – People experiencing homelessness are disproportionately more likely to develop alcohol-related problems, including alcoholism.
Genetic Testing for Alcoholism
A genetic test for alcoholism can help a person who has a tendency towards an AUD take extra care not to drink. Is there such a test available? The answer is not currently. While researchers at Indiana University say that genetic research raises the possibility of genetic testing for an alcohol use disorder, no such test currently exists.I
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Treatment for Alcohol Addiction
If you are living with AUD, it’s important to know that there are many evidence-based treatment options available.
- Alcohol Detox – If you have an alcohol use disorder, detox is an important first step in treatment. Detox consists of 24-hour medical monitoring and support. It helps eliminate alcohol from your system safely. Detox can decrease the severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms. It can also reduce the risk of seizures and other serious withdrawal complications.
- Residential Treatment – A person can participate in residential treatment following detox. This level of care works particularly well for those with co-occurring mental health conditions or severe addiction issues. Residential treatment can help someone manage strong urges and provide the structure that might not be available otherwise.
- Outpatient Treatment – Many people undergo outpatient treatment after being inpatient or detox. Outpatient includes various therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and group therapy. CBT helps you change your thoughts and actions related to drinking while learning ways to cope. Group therapy is conducted by a trained therapist. It allows you to share your struggles with others facing the same challenges.
Alcohol addiction can lead to serious mental and physical health problems if it is not treated. Treatment for AUD can help you recover and get your life back on track.
Whether you’re concerned about a loved one or are considering receiving help for alcohol addiction, Vogue Recovery Center is here to help. We offer a full continuum of care at our Las Vegas and Phoenix locations. With the assistance of our compassionate team and therapists, recovery is achievable. Give us a call to speak with one of our skilled admissions advisors.
References:
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/alcohol
- https://www.nature.com/articles/522S48a
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02653-5
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190402124314.htm
- https://medicine.iu.edu/news/2023/07/aud-gene-group-discovery
- https://medicine.iu.edu/news/2014/05/genes-predict-alcoholism-1
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240405130502.htm
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10578-020-01112-3
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/underage-drinking
- https://arcr.niaaa.nih.gov/topic-series/alcohol-use-among-special-populations
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7431322/
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acer.12053
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6797188/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9955533/
Evan Gove
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