Is Alcoholism Genetic?

[Veiled]

Specifically, if my grandfather on my mom's side was an alcoholic, how likely am I to have the gene?

I have nothing to base it off of b/c my mom doesn't drink just b/c she's afraid she has the gene.

I haven't had any alcohol yet, specifically for this reason. Can you guys help me out.

[Kevin]

I'm not sure of the genealogy behind it, however I am certain that numerous studies state that if a child grows up with one or more alcoholic parents, they are more likely to develop an addiction to alcohol in later life.

[David]

While it is hard to pinpoint a gene responsible for alcoholism, it's certainly true that alcoholism demonstrably runs in many families. In your case, with a family history of alcoholism the ideal choice is to avoid alcohol, as you have. If you can't keept that up, it just means you have to be very careful not to let it get overboard.

[Veiled]

Well it's not exactly a family history. Just the one case...

[David]

Well it's not exactly a family history. Just the one case...

Well then it's hard to say. Since your mother abstained from alcohol, it's extremely difficult to say whether alcoholism even runs in your family. The safest choice, of course, will be to not drink at all. But if you do, remember to be extra careful.

[genetics]

There is no alcoholism gene. Genes that encode proteins responsible for the metabolism of alcohol are the only genes that have a conclusive link to alcoholism, but how said genes play out don't determine whether or not you're more likely to become an alcoholic. Hard to say which genes were passed down from your grandfather to your mother to you, but chances are yours are going to differ. Perhaps these genes can create extra susceptibility, but whether or not you will become to alcohol is completely up to you.

This post totally wasn't written by Malevolent.

[Luke]

I personally what is often the case is in studies into genetics in situations like this, is when your parents are alcoholics, for example, you grow up in an alcoholic household, so there's environmental factors involved too. Therefore, it's the fact you've been around alcohol, seen how people rely on it, that makes you more likely to have the same dependance.

Seeing how you haven't been brought up in that sort of household, and it's an isolated case you haven't (I assume) had much contact with, I can't see it being a major issue.

[ThizzinEryday]

It is genetic. Proven by studies. Runs in my family.

[Italiano89]

There are many studies that proof it could possible be genetic. However that does not mean you will become an alcoholic...

[*Nick*]

I don't believe in an alcoholic gene per se, but a thrill-seeking gene, is more probable.

In my family, I have: one alcoholic (father), one food-binger (mother), one with a gambling addiction (great aunt), one shopping addict (uncle), and two with video game addictions (brothers).
I myself, am on a prescription benzodiazepine regiment... but I self-medicate as well, by augmenting the clonazepam with cannabis. I'm a productive member of society, but most definitely a stoner.

I believe people need stimulation, and altering of states of mind (whether through natural or artificial means). Our very early ancestors are notorious for their regular, religious use of psychedelics... it's in our blood to seek an altered state of mind.

Now how you satisfy this is up to you, my advice: stay away from alcohol and drugs.

[David]

I don't believe in an alcoholic gene per se, but a thrill-seeking gene, is more probable.

In my family, I have: one alcoholic (father), one food-binger (mother), one with a gambling addiction (great aunt), one shopping addict (uncle), and two with video game addictions (brothers).
I myself, am a benzo addict whose highly irresponsible doctors enable my addiction as "treatment".

Fixed that for you.

[*Nick*]

Fixed that for you.

I have never been psychologically addicted to benzodiazepines. I have panic disorder, David. You want to mock me for that? As a child I had obsessive compulsive disorder and trichotillomania, after the age of 14 or so (long before anything psychoactive had been ingested other than caffeine), my anxieties manifested into generalized anxiety and panic disorder.

Do you know what it's like to have a panic attack, David? It feels like you're having a heart attack and that you can't breathe, meanwhie your mind is racing, heart palpitating; and this is usually accompanied by that "cold sweat" feeling, coupled with nausea, and on occasion, vomiting.

I finally found a medical regiment that works for me. So go ahead and mock me for it, because I have a history of drug abuse. You wouldn't begin to understand the hell that my life was until about a year ago, once I started this regiment.


Oh, and for the record... my psychiatrist, Dr. Ethan Kass, is the TOP private practice psychiatrist (while remaining a head of the psychiatric board for the county) in Broward. What the fuck you think, I'm going to go to some quack shrink? I only accept the best, have you not gotten that vibe from me yet??

[allure_101]

it can be genetic just watch your drinking i dont drink because my father is an alcoholic.