Alcoholism doesn’t affect everyone the same way, and for many, the question arises: “Am I at risk because someone in my family was an alcoholic?” In this article, we explore whether alcoholism is hereditary or genetic, how much of a role family history plays, and what science says about your likelihood of developing alcohol dependence. We’ll also help you understand the difference between genetic predisposition and environmental influence, while offering guidance on recognizing the signs and finding support, including treatment options through
What Does It Mean If Alcoholism Is Hereditary?
When a condition is hereditary, it means it can be passed from parents to children through genes. However, unlike diseases caused by a single gene (like cystic fibrosis or Huntington’s disease), alcoholism is polygenic, meaning it involves many genes interacting together.
These genes can affect:
- How alcohol is processed in the liver
- How the brain experiences reward and pleasure
- How the body handles stress and anxiety
Example:
A person with a variant of the ADH1B gene may process alcohol very quickly, while another with a less efficient version of the ALDH2 gene may experience unpleasant effects (e.g., facial flushing, nausea) even after one drink. The latter may be naturally less inclined to drink excessively showing how genetic differences can influence behavior.
Is Alcoholism Hereditary or Genetic?
The question of whether alcoholism is hereditary or genetic often arises in families where alcohol addiction has affected one or more members. The short answer is: both heredity and genetics play a significant role, but they are not the only factors.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), approximately 50% of a person’s risk for developing Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) can be attributed to genetic influences. This means that while environment, personal choices, and life experiences matter, genetic makeup has a considerable impact on how vulnerable someone is to alcohol addiction.
So, what does this actually mean?
Let’s break it down: Hereditary refers to traits or conditions passed down from one generation to the next through genes. Genetic refers to the biological makeup encoded in our DNA that influences everything from eye color to how our body processes substances like alcohol.
Now, it’s important to understand that alcoholism isn’t caused by a single gene. Instead, it involves a combination of many genes, each contributing a small part to how the brain reacts to alcohol, how the liver metabolizes it, and how individuals handle stress, pleasure, or impulsivity.
Example to Understand Better:
Imagine two siblings Sarah and Adeel who grow up in the same household. They are exposed to the same family environment, the same rules about alcohol, and similar life experiences. But by their mid-20s, Sarah finds herself drinking heavily on weekends, feeling out of control, and needing alcohol to relax, while Adeel rarely drinks and can take it or leave it.
Why the difference?
It may be because Sarah inherited a set of genes that:
- Make alcohol feel more rewarding in her brain,
- Cause her to metabolize alcohol more slowly (leading to a longer-lasting “buzz”),
- Lower her natural ability to manage anxiety making alcohol a tempting coping mechanism.
Meanwhile, Adeel’s genetic makeup doesn’t enhance alcohol’s effects, and he may naturally have better stress regulation. The outcome? Even though both siblings grew up in the same home, their genetic profiles made one more susceptible to alcohol dependence.
This example shows how genetic predisposition can significantly influence alcohol use, especially when paired with certain environmental or emotional stressors.
However, it’s vital to note: genetics are not destiny. Having a genetic risk does not mean someone will inevitably become an alcoholic. It simply means that the biological starting point makes one more vulnerable, especially if protective factors (like healthy coping skills, supportive relationships, or limited alcohol exposure) aren’t present.
Is There an “Alcoholic Gene”?
There’s no single “alcoholic gene.” However, researchers have found several genes that influence risk. These include:
- ADH1B and ALDH2: Affect how quickly alcohol is broken down in the body
- OPRM1: Linked to how rewarding alcohol feels by affecting the opioid receptors in the brain
- DRD2: Influences dopamine reception, impacting how much pleasure someone feels when drinking
- GABRA2: Affects GABA receptors, involved in calm and relaxation responses often sought through alcohol
Example:
A 2019 study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that people with certain variants in OPRM1 found alcohol more pleasurable. That pleasure can reinforce repeated drinking, increasing the risk of addiction over time.
This supports the idea that people who inherit a more sensitive reward system may be more likely to use alcohol to cope, relax, or feel social and may have a harder time stopping once they start.
If It’s Genetic, Will I Become an Alcoholic?
Not necessarily. Having a genetic predisposition means you’re at higher risk, not guaranteed to develop the condition.
Your environment, life experiences, and personal choices matter just as much sometimes more.
Example:
Two cousins might both inherit similar genes for alcohol sensitivity. One grows up in a home where alcohol is always present and where stress or trauma goes unaddressed. They begin drinking as a teen. The other grows up in a home with open communication and access to mental health support and avoids alcohol until adulthood. One cousin might struggle with addiction, the other might not despite similar genetic risks.
This is why prevention, education, and access to mental health care are crucial, especially for people with a family history of alcoholism.
To understand these influences further, visit our guide on the Causes of Alcoholism.
Can a Genetic Test Tell If I’m at Risk for Alcoholism?
Genetic testing is still an emerging area in addiction science. Some companies claim to predict addiction risk using saliva or blood samples, but these tests typically only look at a handful of genes and can’t paint the full picture.
Because alcoholism is influenced by dozens of small genetic variations, lifestyle factors, and brain chemistry, most doctors and researchers agree that family history remains a more reliable indicator than commercial genetic tests.
Example:
If your biological father and grandfather both struggled with alcohol, that family history is a more concrete risk factor than a single gene variant identified in a test.
What You Can Do If You’re Worried About Your Risk
If alcoholism runs in your family, you’re not powerless. Understanding your risk helps you take preventive steps. Here’s what you can do:
- Limit your alcohol intake or avoid alcohol altogether
- Find healthy ways to cope with stress like exercise, therapy, or mindfulness
- Talk to your doctor or therapist about your concerns
- Learn to recognize early signs of problematic drinking like needing more alcohol to feel the same effect
Example:
A college student who knows her father struggled with alcohol might decide to stick to non-alcoholic drinks at parties or only drink in moderation with close friends. This awareness helps her avoid risky drinking situations before they escalate.
If you or someone you love needs help, Lifeline Rehab offers evidence-based, personalized care with a focus on understanding both genetic and emotional triggers.
FAQs
Is alcoholism hereditary or learned?
Both. You can inherit a predisposition, but environment and behavior also play a key role.
Is there a gene for alcoholism?
Not one single gene, but many genetic variants contribute to alcoholism risk.
Can alcoholism skip a generation?
Yes, genetics aren’t always expressed the same way. One generation may carry risk but not exhibit symptoms.
Can you prevent alcoholism if it runs in your family?
Yes. Healthy coping skills, support systems, and avoiding excessive alcohol use can significantly reduce risk.
Does everyone with a family history of alcoholism become an alcoholic?
No. Many people with a family history never develop alcohol use disorders.
Conclusion
Alcoholism is partly genetic, but entirely manageable. Having a family history of alcoholism doesn’t mean you’re destined to follow the same path. It simply means you need to stay aware, make informed choices, and prioritize emotional and mental well-being.
Research has shown that a combination of biological vulnerability, environment, and behavior determines whether someone develops an alcohol use disorder. If you know addiction runs in your family, early intervention can be the key to avoiding it altogether.
And if you’ve already started struggling with alcohol, recovery is absolutely possible. Facilities like Lifeline Rehab offer holistic, trauma-informed treatment tailored to individuals with genetic predispositions and co-occurring mental health concerns.
By staying informed, staying connected, and seeking help when needed, you can break the cycle of generational addiction and move forward with clarity and strengt
