Do you have a family history of drinking and if so, have you caught the disease?

Question

My mom's side of the family has a long history of people in the family drinking far too much. She keeps telling me to never start because so many people in my family have and wasted half their lives.(And all of them are really intelligient, just not in the right sense) Is it possible that if I drink the normal amount when I'm older(normal as in most people can drink it and not need more) when I'm older that I won't turn out with a horrible addiction?

I'm not planning on this happening or anything, it's just a thing I've been wondering. I personally think drinking is stupid, but it's just a question.

Answer 1

Yes, it runs in my family (mother, father, and sister). They say at least one child will become an alcoholic if a parent is one. I drink alcohol socially but, because of my family history and my personal experiences with what it does to one's life, I always keep myself in check. I will never turn to alcohol to escape my problems. If you experience the negative side of alcohol first-hand, I think you'll either avoid it all together or do what I do - only drink when I want a drink, not because I need a drink.

Answer 2

Unfortunately you can't plan not to be an alcoholic. Some experts claim that addiction has to be genetic. While I think if you have alcoholism in your family your chances are much higher to become an addict if you do start to drink, in my case there is no traceable alcoholism in my family yet I'm an alcoholic (recovering now, thank God!). There's a real good chance you will not be able to be a normal drinker. I would advise that you leave it alone and don't take the chance, it might start fine but it's an insideous and progressive disease that is cunning, baffling and powerful. By the way, most alcoholics are extremely intelligent, just because you're prone to addiction doesn't mean you're stupid. It's not a matter of willpower. People that become addicted are powerless over it.

Answer 3

Yes, I have caught it. Its weird, but the I have noticed a need for alcohol and cigarettes(family does both) on a daily basis. During a rough day all I can think about is that first drink when I get home, nothing feels better than that first drink of the day either. It becomes more of a grown up security blanket that some can not go with out just like a little kid can't sleep without. However I have a grandfather that grew up a heavy drinker and for the past 20 years or so he has only 1 beer a year. So I guess my theory is that this behavior is more learned than it is genetic. Growing up people see their parents upset from a hard day and whats the first thing they grab that beer or cigarette, or both. So just like people learn to hit people when angry people learn to solve their depression/aggresion with alcohol and nicotine. So I guess if you were going to drink when you become of the proper age make sure its on the right terms. As a good friend of mine told me, "Ya you'll have a good time and forget your problems tonight, but they are still there in the morning"

Answer 4

Well my granddad drank and my grandmother thought he was an alcoholic but he never would admit to this. My father, although I never knew him, I have heard from my mother and a lot of his old navy friends liked to drink pretty heavy at times also. I am a self admitted alcoholic and cannot drink safely, have been clean and sober for just over 29 years now. Two of my sons go wild when they drink and admit that alcohol has been problematic in their lives. My third son is a very social drinker and can handle one or two drinks. The two sons who can't drink safely are daily pot smokers. I am not trying to condone smoking illegal substances but have told all my kids that I would much rather they smoke than drink, as very few crimes or fights are caused by smoking dope.

I have heard a couple of different takes on whether or not alcoholism is enheirited. One person will state that alcoholism is a mental obsession coupled with a physical ailment. Another will say that we are pre-disposed to alcoholism. I do not question as to whether or not it is either of these as I don't really care as to why I cannot safely drink. The important thing is I do not.

So your parents may be on the right track by warning you of the dangers of your families history of drinking.

Good luck to you and I hope that you are true to yourself and don't end up with any addiction. And that you stick with your plans of not taking up the bottle.

Answer 5

5 generations in my family

>I'm not planning on this happening or anything, it's just a thing >I've been wondering. I personally think drinking is stupid, but it's >just a question.

Does anyone plan on becoming an addict/alcoholic? Get a copy of the AA book Alcoholics Anonymous and read some of the stories in the back sections, then read the first 164 pages. You will have a better understanding of alcoholism.

Answer 6

Same thing.. many drinkers on mom's side and no, I haven't caught it. One cousin and myself are the only ones who don't drink. I've had drinks and have been drunk, but I don't like the hangover feeling and I don't like losing control of my brain and body, so I don't bother.

So far as your future is concerned, it's all entirely up to you. I don't know whether there is any scientific evidence that says that you're somehow genetically predisposed to drinking if people in your family do. I doubt it. I think it's more of a social / psychological thing. In any case, it's always better to stay sober.

Answer 7

I think you would be better off not drinking at all. I'm sure if you ask your family, they'll tell you they didnt drink much to start with either. So dont even tell yourself you will be able to control it. Yes, my family has a history of drinking, but I rarely drink. However I did catch the smoking disease and am looking for ways to quit.

Answer 8

ok, alcohol in the family is NOT a diese, it just runs in the genes. dosent mean ur gonna be a alcohilc. u may become more addicted and drink more when u get that age cuz of your family history and familys genes, but hey u cant help who ur mom and dad were, im advice is dont drink hard alcohol and drink little as possible.

Answer 9

My grandfather on my moms side was an alcoholic, along with my father and uncles on his side are alcoholics. My brother is 25 y/o today and he is leading the life of an alcoholic. I do drink a few alcoholic beverages every now and then but not nearly enough to call myself one and I am 26.

Answer 10

I AM SO GLAD THAT I SAW A QUESTION THATI WOULD DEFINATAVELY KNOW THE ANSWER TO. YES , YOU ARE A BORN ALCOHHOLIC, IT WAS IN YOUR GENETICS AT BIRTH. That is why it "runs in your family". I invite you to ask more but if you do not, I warn you now to never drink a damn drop of alcohol;. The Chemistry of alcohol is "E.T.O.H." and i will gladly tell you of this "last legal" DRUG AND PLEASE TAKE HEED OF ITS DANGERS THAT YOU ARE NOT AWARE OF BECAUSE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DOES NOT WARN YOU ON THE LABLE DUE TO THEY RECIEVE TAXES FOR THERE SILENCE .PLEASE EMAIL ME AND I WILL TELL YOU MY PHONE # TO TELL YOU OF THIS AND WHAT I SAY WILL BE PROVED BY YOU TO BE TRUE BY WAY OF INTERNET ADDRESES !!!!