is alcoholism genetic?

Answer 1

This is a nature/nurture question I think. Whilst some people would agree that alcoholism is in their 'genes', others disagree. If you're brought up with a relative around who drinks a lot it may be that later in life you develop the same problem because you've seen people close to you use it as a refuge.

Answer 2

Anyone can become an alcoholic. Drink enough and often enough and your body will develop a dependence. However, the predisposition for alcoholism is genetic. For example, there is very little alcoholism amongst Italians. Scientists think it may have to do with the presence of wine in their diet over millions of years, their bodies can tolerate it without developing a dependency. American Indians, who did not have much alcohol in their diets before the coming of the Europeans are very prone to alcoholism. The statistics on the occurence of alcoholism in families certainly shows that alcoholism has a genetic predisposition. Is a child of alcoholic parents doomed to be an alcoholic? No, but they must be aware that the predisposition exists in their make-up and be careful of its affects. Is a child with no alcoholism in their family immune? Absolutely not. Refer to sentence 1 of this answer.

Answer 3

I believe genes play a very large part in alcoholism and other addictive behaviour.

This is a quote from research published by Bristol University in March 2005:

"Scientists do not know precisely why particular genetic variants may influence behaviour, but they do have a few clues. They found that one particular genetic variant – a version of the dopamine D2 receptor gene (DRD2) - was strongly associated with alcohol consumption.

The DRD2 gene appears to influence the ‘high’ that people derive from drugs such as alcohol. People without this variant might derive less pleasure from alcohol, and may therefore drink less. "

Answer 4

I think it can be genetic. Some of us are at least genetically predispositioned to addictive behavior. But we can also overcome that by our free will. Both of my parents were alcoholics. I don't drink both because I am afraid of it and my religion forbids it, so I feel that I have overcome that tendency. I may be addicted to other things like Diet Coke and shopping but these are not harmful and I don't overdo them. People with addictive tendencies do have a habit or replacing one addiction with another though. Like the smoker who quits and then eats constantly, or a woman addicted to cigarettes who when she quits then replaces that with overspending. I think the key to a healthy life style is moderation in things that are healthy and not touching those things that are not at all,i.e. alcohol and drugs.

Answer 5

As a recovering alcoholic, I have always believed that I was genetically "programmed" to be an alcoholic. My father and grandfather were both alcoholics. All I had to do was pick up that first drink.

Answer 6

Unfortuneatly yes. Its not actually alcoholism, but its being any kind of addict that is genetic. Some people are more easily prone to others to become addicts of something. Addicts do not and have never ran in my family, and I nor any of my brothers and sisters have addictions. (Im the ninth child) So, even tho it doesnt run in our family doesnt mean one of us couldnt become one. But it is a genetic advantage if it doesnt because it would be easier to overcome it.

Answer 7

People say so but I dont think it is?

How can it be in your Genes when alcoholism never enters them or has the ability to do so.

Its just a cop out for people who have a problem admiting they are dependent on alcohol.

Answer 8

I think the predisposition to addiction in general is genetic.

Answer 9

being a non practising alcoholic,i am convinced that it is hereditary.it has been in my family for at least 6 generations,i just hope and pray i have not passed it on to my offspring!

Answer 10

i believe to get your kicks out of drinking and really let your hair down is hereditary but alcoholism is self imposed and i have seen this to believe it