Is alcoholism hereditary?

Question

I have a long line of alcoholics in my family....almost all the men are (aside from one). They are either alcoholics or drug addicts. Is this hereditary? Addictive personalities?

Answer 1

I spent some time (months) in a recovery center and many subsequent AA meetings and it was hammered into my head that it was hereditary even though I have no alcoholic family members. It also was hammered into my head that there is no cure and that you will always be alcoholic once you become one... even if you quit drinking for years and years. Turns out my alcoholism was triggered by my depression. Once the depression was fixed, the alcoholism went bye-bye. It's been a year and a half now, and there are no cravings or desires to drink anymore. My point is simple, if you think you might be depressed, avoid alcohol at all costs... it will kill you. It almost killed me. Thank God I found my way out of that miserable depression and no longer want or need to escape.

That being said, if you think you have an addictive personality or are genetically predisposed, you might want to be super careful when it comes to drinking, because it really can be powerfully addictive. Many of the patients in therapy were related to users. I remember the counsellor saying that alcohol is just as addictive as heroin if not more so. Take that for what it's worth, you probably don't want to be tempted to go down that road. Besides, there's so much more to life than partying. Too bad, it took a close brush with death for me to realize that.

There are some pretty good answers here... kvh's is among the best. Unfortunately, "doctor's" is not one of them.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Like many other diseases, alcoholism is influenced by both hereditary and environmental factors that are being increasingly well defined. Experts now believe that alcoholism arises from a wide range of physiological, psychological, social and genetic factors.

Genes

Alcoholism tends to run in families, and genes partly explain this pattern. Researchers are looking for the genes that influence vulnerability to alcoholism. They are also exploring the relationship between genetics and environment.

Genetic risk to alcoholism, however, is not destiny. A child of an alcoholic parent will not automatically develop alcoholism, and a person with no family history of alcoholism can become alcohol dependent.

Answer 3

I certainly do think of that's hereditary however the entire society concern is genuine too. each and every individual has a option to make. they could the two drink like a human now and lower back or extra desirable than that yet not too lots. save eating as a prefer and don't permit it substitute right into a choose. I even have alcoholics in my relatives and that i could desire to admit I do like to drink and at circumstances i became right into slightly uncontrolled, yet isn't every physique whilst they're youthful. Partying is the only concern i wanted to do. Now i'm married and that i've got a 7 month previous son so I havent been undesirable in a collectively as. I save it to a minimum.

Answer 4

There have been numerous studies about whether or not alcoholism is hereditary. So far most studies have found that it is. And if your parents, or environment you were raised in was with addictive "personalities" or alcoholics, your risk is higher. I hope you are well and will find the resources you need I have included one that may help on your quest. Be well!

Answer 5

No research has shown that alcoholism is hereditary, but the evidence would seem to indicate that the tendency to alcoholism runs in families. If the recent suggestions that there is a specific gene (or set of genes) involved, then heredity will have been proven.

Answer 6

Yes! I have a couple of friends who have never even touched a drop of liquer because they've seen how alcohol has ruined the lives of several family members, and they recognize the same sort of addictive behaviors in themselves. Some people can handle alcohol responsibly, some people can't. If you have any doubts, just stay away from alcohol. Trust me, you won't miss anything by staying sober!

Answer 7

there is a lot that points to genetic similarities in alcoholics. it could also be that alcohol is a "learned" trait as in you are subconsciously learning how to be an alcoholic from family members.
you could be leaning to use alcohol as a tool to relax or be social or any number of things from your relatives. you best method of defense would be find alternatives to any patterns you find. like instead of having a drink after work stop off for some tea so days instead. and remember there is nothing wrong with moderation. learning moderation is hard though because society dictates blacks and whites and forgets all the greys.

Answer 8

YES, very much so. Alcoholics run in families. It is partly the addictive nature in the genes.
My husband comes from a long line of drinkers. He has a very hard time keeping it to one drink but I am there to remind him. Everything my husband does can become a habit. He is prone to having habits like: smoking (he gave that one up), card games, gambling, computer games, drinking, eatting bad food, sleeping during the day, etc.

He has only been able to control these addictions with me around. I do not allow him to abuse these things and he honors my wishes. But it is just a fine balancing act of eliminating bad habits and substituting good ones.
That is what works for him.

Answer 9

I can't say it is or isn't for sure. My dad drank and did drugs when i was a kid and it actually worked the other way around for me. As a teenager and an adult I WON'T AND HAVEN'T TOUCHED DRUGS, AND VERY RARLY EVER DRINK!!! When I do drink i limit myself and don't have any problem stopping. My one brother and sister are the same way i with it, but my oldest brother is and addict and alcoholic. So, I think it depends on the person alot to and how strong willed they are.

Answer 10

I would say addictive personalities, the good news is you know to avoid drugs and alcohol, if I were you I would check out support groups. ie children of alcoholics. Good luck