Is Alcoholism Hereditary Or Genetic?

It’s an all-too-common trait of alcohol use disorder (AUD) to run in families and persist across generations. If you or someone you know has AUD, it’s natural to wonder what factors led to the condition. AUD can be genetic or hereditary, though this does not account for every case.

While you don’t need to pinpoint the source of your AUD to start getting care, it can be helpful for some people’s recovery journeys.

Is Alcoholism Genetic?

Genetics are conditions influenced by genes, AKA segments of DNA that determine traits and biological processes through the instructions they carry. A condition is genetic if variations or mutations within genes cause it.

A genetic predisposition means that someone’s genes increase the likelihood of a trait, disease, or behavior (1). This is why doctors will ask about genetics, so they can watch for or sooner identify conditions that might be caused by genes. However, a genetic predisposition does not mean someone will always develop a condition.

There is substantial research that genetics can play a significant role in the risk of developing AUD. Studies show that genetic factors contribute to AUD susceptibility, with estimates ranging from 40% to 60% (2). This means that about half of AUD risk can be attributed to genetic influences, while the remainder is shaped by environmental factors.

There are two specific reasons why genetics can play a role in someone’s likelihood of developing AUD. The first gene that can determine someone’s susceptibility to developing the condition concerns how their central nervous system responds to alcohol. 

At Oar Health, we talk a lot about reward pathways, which the central nervous system governs by controlling dopamine release, a feel-good chemical. Genes involved in dopamine signaling are linked to the brain’s reward system. Essentially, variations in these genes may affect how someone experiences the pleasurable effects of alcohol and their likelihood of developing AUD. 

The second gene that can influence the likelihood of AUD is how the body metabolizes it; specific genes control how the body metabolizes alcohol. Variations in these genes influence how quickly alcohol breaks down, which, naturally, affects someone’s tolerance. 

Just as genes can increase the risk of developing AUD, they can also decrease someone’s risk. Slower alcohol metabolism, leading to unpleasant side effects when drinking, can be a protective factor in certain populations against developing AUD. However, when someone has a high tolerance, it can heighten the susceptibility of the disorder. 

Identical twins, who share all their DNA, consistently show higher rates for AUD, underscoring the significant role of genetics. However, it can be important to understand how a shared environment might also influence these rates (3).

There is no one genetic test to look for whether someone is predisposed to AUD because there are hundreds of gene variations that could influence alcohol abuse. While there are no specific tests that detect the genetic prevalence of AUD ahead of time, there are several tests, such as the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), to help determine whether you have it currently. 

Is Alcoholism Inherited?

When a condition is inherited, traits or disorders are passed down from parents to offspring through genetic material. Inherited traits or predispositions are transmitted specifically through familial lineage. 

First-degree relatives such as parents, children, and siblings of individuals with alcohol use disorder are two to seven times more likely than people with nonalcoholic relatives to develop problems with alcohol at some time in their lives (4). However, just because someone’s parents do not have AUD does not mean they won't develop it. The opposite is also true; just because AUD runs in your family does not mean you will have the disorder. 

Is Alcoholism Hereditary?

A hereditary condition is often used interchangeably with an inherited or genetic one, though it typically emphasizes the familial transmission of traits or conditions. Hereditary conditions are always inherited but may not account for non-familial genetic influences, meaning, you inherit a genetic factor that is not from your immediate family. Not all genetic factors are hereditary. However, when AUD is transmitted from generation to generation, it is hereditary. 

Again, while genetic inheritance plays a strong role in AUD’s development, it is not always a determining factor. Many people with a genetic predisposition never develop the disorder, highlighting the importance of environmental factors such as trauma, peer pressure, and the family dynamics someone grows up conditioned by. Learned behavior, like exposure to alcohol use by a parent at a young age can influence the likelihood of AUD later in life from normalized and modeled behavior. 

Due to the significance of someone’s environment and how genetics interact with the environment, you might be born genetically predisposed to alcohol use disorder, though no one is ever born with it.

AUD is complex and intertwines biological, environmental, and behavioral factors. While research reveals that genetics play a significant role through specific genes influencing susceptibility to AUD, genetics are only one piece of the puzzle. 

Hereditary factors often overlap with environmental influences, such as growing up in a family with a history of alcohol use disorder. Children raised in these environments may not only inherit a genetic predisposition but also learn behaviors and coping mechanisms that increase their risk of developing AUD. This interplay underscores how hereditary and genetic components are closely linked but not always a dictator of AUD. 

Ultimately, while family history and genetics can elevate the risk of AUD, they do not guarantee its occurrence. Awareness of these factors can empower people to take preventative measures, such as seeking support, building healthy coping mechanisms, and practicing moderation around drinking.

For some people, the realization that alcohol use disorder runs in their immediate family can be an important step in recovery and help them make sense of their addiction. It can be healing to examine the dynamics around drinking that you might have been exposed to through your upbringing, such as observing your parent intoxicated or watching normalized heavy drinking.

Are You Drinking Too Much?

Is drinking affecting your job? Is alcohol harming your health or relationships? Does your drinking worry you? Ever tried to drink less but failed?

If any of this sounds familiar, and if AUD runs in your family, Oar Health might be right for you. Oar Health offers medication FDA-approved for the treatment of alcohol problems. A daily pill to drink less or quit.

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