Is alcoholism inherited?

Answer 1

Research shows that the risk for developing alcoholism does indeed run in families. The genes a person inherits partially explain this pattern, but lifestyle is also a factor. Currently, researchers are working to discover the actual genes that put people at risk for alcoholism. Your friends, the amount of stress in your life, and how readily available alcohol is also are factors that may increase your risk for alcoholism.

But remember: Risk is not destiny. Just because alcoholism tends to run in families doesn't mean that a child of an alcoholic parent will automatically become an alcoholic too. Some people develop alcoholism even though no one in their family has a drinking problem. By the same token, not all children of alcoholic families get into trouble with alcohol. Knowing you are at risk is important, though, because then you can take steps to protect yourself from developing problems with alcohol. (See also "Publications," Alcohol Alert No. 18: The Genetics of Alcoholism.)

Answer 2

I don't think alcoholism in and of itself is inherited.

However, there is a tendency to become dependent on substances, and there's a lot of real and anecdotal evidence that this can be passed on from generation to generation. It is probably a combination of environmental and genetics, and that's a powerful mix if you ask me.

Stated more clearly, there are "addictive personalities" and this can run in families. You might see an alcoholic mother and a chocoholic sister, an alcoholic brother and maybe a grandson that's into heroin. It's not about the specific addition, I don't think... it's about the addiction itself.

Answer 3

Some say it is, but I come from a family of alcoholism and have never had a problem with it at all. I detest alcohol. I guess anyone can become one if they drink enough and do it for long enough as it alters the chemicals in the brain into thinking it needs the alcohol.

Answer 4

Yes.

But .

The person inherits it by bad environment not by genes.

Genes may play a significant roll in low tolerance to alcohol. Some can drink a gallon(rear) of it and some will get high on one shot(lots of people).

Answer 5

yes, it is. there is a chemical in a person's brain that causes this. example - when parents are an alcoholic and theu have children, if they drink when they are older, chances are that they will become alcoholics too. this is possible even if the child did not have alcoholic parents. the best way to not have a drinking problem is to never drink. one can not be sure if they are going to have an addiction to it or not. hope this helps. good luck.

Answer 6

Yes. The tendency to become an alcoholic can run in families. My Grandpa, my Dad and my brother are all alcoholics.

Answer 7

Not at all.. It is a habbit that u develop & get addicted to

Answer 8

no i think its not inherited but its influential.

Answer 9

not at all