Genetics of Alcoholism

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Genetics of Alcoholism

When it comes to addiction, family history is often considered a contributing factor. Behavioral traits are known to pass to children from their parents. Some of these traits could include aggression and a predisposition toward depression.

Is alcoholism genetic? Other passed on behavioral traits may also include a genetic predisposition to alcoholism. At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we recognize the potential for a connection between alcoholism and genetics. We offer treatment that can address these core concerns. Working together, we can break the cycle of alcoholism.

How Alcoholism Impacts the Family

Alcoholism is quite often referred to as a family disease for many good yet complex reasons. One of the most compelling reasons is that living with someone who struggles with alcoholism can harshly impact the entire family.

People struggling with alcoholism can become all-consumed with their addiction. This can result in not having the energy that a spouse and children need. They also tend to display several behaviors that can impact the family.

This could include aggression and violence. Dishonesty and a lead into financial trouble can soon follow. Alcoholism is considered a family disease not just because of the way in which it impacts the family, but it can also run through your genetics. Is alcoholism genetic? It can definitely be passed down.

Considering Genetics vs. Environmental Factors

Your genetic makeup accounts for just half of your propensity towards alcoholism. There are countless environmental factors that can lead to substance abuse. These factors could include relationship challenges and difficulty at work.

Our inherited behaviors will mingle with environmental influences to form the base for each of our decisions. Some of us may be more sensitive to stress and that stress can become combined with a lack of healthy coping mechanisms. This combination can make it more challenging to cope with work stressors or unhealthy relationships.

Some may experience trauma. Without proper therapy to work through the trauma, they may turn to alcohol. Self-medication is quite often the basis for substance abuse concerns. Remember that even individuals with an increased genetic risk will first need to be pushed by a non-hereditary factor. The catalyst that results in substance abuse is often environmental.

The more risk factors someone has, the greater risk for substance abuse. There is good news, however. There are factors considered to be protective. These protections can reduce the individual’s risk of substance abuse. Both the risk factor and the protective factor can be hereditary or environmental.

Some of the commonly seen risk factors may include the following:

• Lack of supervision by parents
• Abuse in childhood
• Lack of social skills
• Experimentation with drugs and alcohol
• Poverty
• Alcohol availability
• Peer pressure
• Violence, or witnessing violence

Mental illness can boost the potential for developing substance abuse concerns by 20-50%. Working through concerns through varying forms of therapy can help people with alcohol addiction identify the source of their addiction. It can allow them to develop those key coping mechanisms.

At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we have experienced addiction and recovery specialists. Each specialist can offer you the resources that you need.

What Are Your Risks for Alcoholism?

Individuals with a family history of alcoholism have an increased risk of becoming addicted to alcohol. If there are multiple relatives who struggle with alcohol addiction or have substance use disorder, you could have inherited the genes that boost your risk.

The more relatives you have who abuse alcohol, the higher your risk will be. It is important to note that a strong susceptibility toward alcoholism will not translate into being resigned to that fate. We cannot control our genetic makeup. However, we can take measures to prevent and break free from addiction.

There are some great ways to address a genetic predisposition. This can help you avoid developing alcohol addiction:

• Know your family history with substance abuse
• Offer support for the family, including for young children at risk
• Understand what addiction looks like
• Eliminate unhealthy friendships and relationships
• Maintain healthy friendships and relationships
• Enforce strong family links with those who are not addicts
• Participate in counseling
• Learn to manage stress in healthy ways

You do not need to resign yourself to simply living with alcoholism. There are many ways to regain control of your life.

At Resurgence Behavioral Health We Can Help

At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we offer treatment programs for those struggling with alcohol and with a family history of substance abuse. We offer an understanding of how family dynamics can impact addiction. This understanding can allow us to guide you through detox and recovery. It is never too late to break the cycle of alcoholism in your family.

Rehab Programs

Our rehabilitation programs offer a supportive sober environment for those recovering from alcohol addiction. A focus on sobriety and mental wellness can help to direct the right path for recovery.

Free Insurance Verification for Rehab

At Resurgence Behavioral Health our team is proficient at verifying insurance coverage. This allows you to focus on your sobriety. And on the needs of your family during this early stage of your journey.