Does Alcoholism Run in Families?
Chances are you’ve wondered, “Does alcoholism run in families?” at some point in your life. If you or a loved one is dealing with alcoholism, you may wonder if it’s because a family member struggled before. Or, you may have a parent who struggles with alcoholism and wonder if you’re going to end up struggling too.
There have been various answers to this question over the years. Some addiction experts say that alcoholism does run in families and others aren’t so sure. Still, others state that alcoholism is partly due to genetics. So which is it?
What is Alcoholism?
Alcoholism is a chronic brain disease that affects more than 20 million people in the United States. Scientists have long argued about whether alcoholism stems from genetics, the environment, or a combination of both.
Does Alcoholism Run in Families? Genetics vs. Heredity
There’s a close link between genetics and heredity. Genetics involves a parent passing down genes to the children. Essentially, the child inherits the genes. Now, when discussing hereditary diseases vs. genetic diseases, someone with a genetic disease has a genome abnormality. On the other hand, someone with a hereditary disease has been passed down one of the parent’s mutated DNA chromosomes.
The Role of Genetics
Genetics do play a role in alcoholism. Some experts say that about 50% of the time, someone ends up an alcoholic because they’ve been predisposed by genetics. This means that if Mom or Dad is an alcoholic, the child is two times more likely to become an alcoholic or abuse alcohol should he/she start drinking.
Based on research done by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), between 40 to 60 percent of alcoholism stems from a genetic factor. Researchers are beginning to link certain genes that foster alcoholism or alcohol use disorder.
What Genes Contribute to Alcoholism?
Genes can be expressed differently. When dealing with a predisposition for alcoholism, there are some genes that have been found to be expressed differently.
First, some studies reveal that those who have alcoholism tend to have smaller amygdales, which is the part of the brain that deals with emotions. The theory goes that because this area may be smaller, the emotional aspect of cravings for alcohol will differ for the potential alcoholic over the non-alcoholic.
In addition, people who are more prone to alcoholism have been found to have lower levels of serotonin. The tendency to have lower levels of serotonin is something that could have been passed down the gene track.
It’s Not All Heredity
Sure, there are some people who may be more prone to developing alcoholism based on the genes of his/her family. But another possibility is that the environment plays a large role, too.
For example, if Mom is a raging alcoholic and the home life of the child is horrid, there is a good chance that child will turn to alcohol later in life to cope with emotional turmoil and pain. The fact that the child’s role model in life coped with life with booze can certainly play a role in the child’s drinking behavior later in life.
However, if Mom is a high functioning alcoholic who manages to maintain a stable, loving home for the child, that child has less of a chance of picking up alcohol use disorder later in life – even if he/she is predisposed because of heredity.
The jury is still out when it comes to the question, “Does alcoholism run in the family?” However, observing the childhoods of alcoholics tends to show that there is at least a partial correlation.
When Mom or Dad is an Alcoholic
One way to help children avoid falling into the same alcoholism cycle is to offer them a chance to attend a support group like Alateen or get counseling. Children have a tough time understanding why a parent drinks more than others or why he/she acts out or is abusive when drunk. It can be very scary to be around a parent who struggles with alcoholism. One minute they can be loving and the next they can be drunk and yelling at everyone.
When children can learn a bit about the disease of alcoholism and have someone to talk to about what’s going on and how they’re feeling, they can better cope with it. They will be able to deal with life in healthy ways, rather than to start drinking themselves.
What is Alateen?
Alateen is a support group for teenagers who have loved ones who struggle with alcoholism. It stems from Al-Anon, which is a 12 Step support group for adults whose loved ones’ struggle with alcoholism. Alateen is a great resource for children who must live or spend time with a family member or even a friend who is drinking more than they should. The teens can connect with other teens who are going through similar situations and share their feelings. The support group has been very helpful to teens all over the world.
Ways to Overcome Alcoholism
Alcoholism is running rampant all over the world and it’s not only the alcoholic that is suffering. Entire families are going through emotional turmoil because they don’t know how to help their loved one get free from alcohol abuse. They may be scared, frustrated, and children may be neglected or abused by drunken fits of rage.
What can be done for an alcoholic who wants help? The good news is that alcoholism treatment is available. Whether it’s in the form of an inpatient or outpatient rehab, 12 Step support group, detox center, or a counselor, help is certainly available.
The question, “Does alcoholism run in families” is important, but it’s alright not to know 100 percent the reason people begin to drink more than they should. Whether it’s hereditary or environment or a combination of both, the reality is that alcoholism can be treated.
Are You Struggling With Alcoholism?
If you or a loved on is struggling with alcoholism, know that you’re not alone. Help is available, but you must reach out. Call an addiction specialist or treatment center and inquire about treatment. You don’t have to struggle any longer. Make that call today and start your new life sober and free.
